South Korea’s opposition parties have initiated an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his brief imposition of martial law, which sparked widespread protests and international alarm. Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday, citing threats from North Korea and “anti-state forces,” but retracted the decision early Wednesday after lawmakers overwhelmingly opposed it.

The opposition Democratic Party (DP), which holds a parliamentary majority, accused Yoon of insurrection and is pursuing impeachment proceedings, which could be voted on as early as Friday. The DP also plans to file charges against Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law declaration.

The move prompted jubilant protests outside parliament, with union leaders calling for an indefinite general strike until Yoon resigns. Critics, including members of Yoon’s own ruling party, condemned the martial law declaration as unjustified and damaging to South Korea’s democracy.

Yoon, elected in 2022, has seen his approval ratings plummet amid economic concerns and political controversies. The situation has cast uncertainty over his presidency and raised concerns among allies like the United States, which maintains a significant military presence in South Korea.