Following a short-lived imposition of martial law and its swift revocation by the National Assembly, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is confronting intense pressure to resign or face impeachment. The president's drastic move, intended to quell perceived "anti-state" forces obstructing his agenda in the opposition-controlled parliament, backfired dramatically, lasting a mere six hours before being overturned. The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with legislators and the public alike demanding accountability.

High-ranking officials in Yoon's administration, including senior advisors and secretaries, have offered their resignations en masse. Cabinet members, notably Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, are also facing calls to step down, and reports indicate that the entire South Korean State Council has expressed a willingness to resign. The political fallout from the president's actions is widespread and significant.

Citizens watch a televised briefing by President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Adding to the president's woes, lawmakers have formally initiated impeachment proceedings against him in response to the martial law declaration. The Democratic Party, holding a parliamentary majority, had previously warned of impeachment if Yoon refused to resign. They condemned the president's actions as a blatant breach of the constitution, characterizing the martial law declaration as "originally invalid" and a "grave act of rebellion."

President Yoon Suk Yeol in a pre-recorded interview. (South Korea Presidential Office via AP, File)

Impeachment requires a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament. While the combined opposition holds 192 seats, the fact that 18 members of Yoon's own People Power Party voted against the martial law declaration suggests potential vulnerability. Even the party leader, Han Dong-hun, publicly criticized the declaration as unconstitutional. Should impeachment succeed, Yoon's powers would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court ruling, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming presidential duties.

President Yoon Suk Yeol addresses a joint meeting of Congress in Washington D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Amidst the turmoil and calls for Cabinet resignations, Prime Minister Han has appealed for calm and urged Cabinet members to continue fulfilling their responsibilities. This incident marks the first instance of martial law being declared in South Korea in over four decades, a stark reminder of a past era before the country's transition to democracy in the late 1980s.