South Korea is reeling after a whiplash eight hours during which the country’s embattled president declared martial law but was forced to lift it amid widespread condemnation, throwing the country’s political landscape into chaos and uncertainty.

By Hyonhee Shin, Cynthia Kim, Ju-min Park and Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) -At his confirmation hearing three months ago, South Korea's defence minister Kim Yong-hyun rejected accusations from the opposition that he wanted to impose martial law.

These moments resonate with South Koreans in their daily lives, even if there’s still widespread confusion over the president’s decision.