Across the Indo-Pacific and around the world, the shock of this quick decision to impose martial law in the democratic country of South Korea is still being felt.

Troops on the streets, opposition politicians gathered in front of the National Assembly and there was absolute political chaos South Korea has thrown the country into turmoil.

But the government had been in turmoil for some time.

After losing an election earlier this year and being forced to form a minority government, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been in retreat ever since.

Latest news follows: Soldiers clash with protesters as martial law is declared in South Korea

He was under fire for several issues. His wife is accused of engaging in share price manipulation and another scandal involves her allegedly accepting a luxury handbag from a priest.

And what could turn out to be the trigger for all of this – a political standoff with the opposition over next year’s draft budget.

Now it appears the president has taken matters into his own hands.

Yoon says martial law is necessary to eradicate North Korean elements in the country.

Read more: What is happening in South Korea – and what is martial law?

The opposition and members of his own party don’t believe him.

But this drama could be over before it begins.

The National Assembly rejected martial law.

The ball is in the president’s court.

It’s a long night ahead for South Koreans, who are deeply concerned about what is happening.