ALBAWABA - South Korea's opposition sought to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, following his unprecedented declaration of martial law, which drew thousands of demonstrators to the streets.
Yoon's surprise attempt to suspend civilian government for the first time in over four decades, which was thwarted by MPs in a night of declaration, threw South Korea into chaos and triggering worry among its allies.
South Korea's opposition parties launched an impeachment process against Yoon on Wednesday after lawmakers jumped fences and fought security forces to repeal the bill.
Yoon, his defense and interior ministers, and "key military and police figures involved, such as the martial law commander and the police chief" were all charged with "insurrection," according to a statement released by the Democratic Opposition Party (DP).
An "indefinite general strike" was declared by the country's biggest umbrella labor union until Yoon resigned. Even Yoon's own ruling party leader called the effort "tragic" and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
Yoon announced martial law on late-night television, claiming a threat from North Korea and "anti-state forces". More than 280 troops, supported by 24 helicopters, arrived at parliament to secure the place.
However, 190 legislators went against rifle-wielding guards and forced their way into parliament to vote against the decision. Yoon had little alternative but to recant his decision and call off the troops in another television speech around 4:30 a.m. local time.
