Hundreds of protesters in Seoul called for the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol after he attempted to impose martial law to squelch his critics. For the South Koreans, the political drama is a chilling reminder of that nation’s not so distant authoritarian past.

The main opposition Democratic Party called for Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been in office since 2022, to resign or face impeachment.

In a night of extraordinary developments in Seoul, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a surprise late-night address to the nation, citing threats from North Korea and from his political opponents at home,

South Korea’s main opposition party on Wednesday urged President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign immediately or face impeachment, hours after Yoon ended short-lived martial law that prompted troops to encircle parliament before lawmakers voted to lift it.

The situation in South Korea appeared to be stabilizing after the president there declared martial law against protesting citizens. North Central College political science professor William Muck explained what it all means.