Yoon fights for political life as martial law repercussions reverberate

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is fighting for political survival after declaring martial law on Tuesday night only to rescind it hours later, a surprise move that drew intense criticism and one that will have broad ramifications for regional security, including Seoul’s improved ties with Tokyo.

Opposition lawmakers on Wednesday called for Yoon’s impeachment, following the shock measure that he said was directed at “antistate forces” in the National Assembly, the country’s parliament, which the president claimed have “paralyzed” his administration and the workings of the government.

The declaration of martial law, which would have banned political activity and censored the media, was quickly rejected by the National Assembly, with all 190 of the body’s 300 lawmakers present — including members of Yoon’s People’s Power Party — voting against it.