Within a span of 24 hours a martial law was imposed and then revoked in South Korea. But what exactly is it and what would have followed in the country with the martial law? When the civil authorities of a country or a designated area are deemed unfit or unable to govern, then the military takes over and suspends civilian legal processes giving way to military rule. That is martial law.
Many countries do not have the constitutional right to declare a martial law. Yet, the implementation of a military rule is allowed when it is deemed “necessary”. The doctrine of necessity comes into play in such cases. It allows extreme actions by governments during emergencies.
Source Link: Martial Law explained: What is it and how it impacts democracy - CNBC TV18