South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is under mounting pressure as his impeachment looms over a controversial move to impose martial law earlier this week. Opposition parties have submitted a motion accusing him of violating the constitution after his brief but dramatic declaration of martial law set off national and international alarm.

Late Tuesday, Yoon suspended civilian control, deploying military forces, including helicopters, to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly. However, defiant legislators voted down the decree, forcing Yoon to backtrack in a night filled with tension and protests.

The opposition Democratic Party, which has a commanding majority in the legislature, intends to bring the impeachment motion to a vote by Saturday. A two-thirds majority is required to pass the motion, meaning only a handful of defections from Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) could secure its success.

How has the People Power Party (PPP) responded?

Despite the criticism against Yoon's actions, the PPP leadership has vowed to block the impeachment effort. While they acknowledged the declaration of martial law as unconstitutional, party leader Han Dong-hoon stated they were “not trying to defend” the president but emphasized unity within their ranks.

Choo Kyung-ho, the party's floor leader, said all 108 PPP lawmakers would stand together to reject the motion.

If the impeachment passes, Yoon would be suspended from office while the Constitutional Court reviews the case. A final decision to remove him would trigger a new presidential election within 60 days.

Why did Yoon declare Martial Law?

In his televised announcement, Yoon justified martial law as a necessary step to "protect South Korea’s liberal democracy from North Korean threats" and to suppress internal “anti-state elements.” His six-point decree banned political activities, strikes, and public gatherings, while military forces locked down the National Assembly.

South Korea's first declaration of martial law in over 40 years, evoked memories of the country's authoritarian past. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Seoul's freezing weather to denounce Yoon's actions, chanting for his resignation.

The Democratic Party accused Yoon of trying to dodge investigations into alleged illegal activities involving him and his family. MP Kim Seung-won called the martial law declaration an "unforgivable crime."

The opposition has also filed a legal complaint against Yoon and key officials for "insurrection." That charge carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death sentence.

Yoon's declaration of martial law shocked South Korea's allies, including the United States, which has stationed 30,000 troops in the region. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed "deep concern" over the move while praising the National Assembly's efforts to maintain democratic processes.

Other global players, including China, Russia, and Japan, are watching the situation closely. Japan labeled the developments as “exceptional and serious,” while China urged caution for its citizens in South Korea.

Yoon hasn't appeared in public since Wednesday morning, but according to his office, Minister of Defense Kim Yong-hyun resigned. Some other key allies like the head of Interior, Lee Sang-min are still in place.

The coming days will determine whether Yoon’s presidency can survive this political storm or if South Korea will head toward early elections. For now, the nation is gripped by uncertainty, with its democracy once again being tested.