Seoul: South Korea’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil as opposition lawmakers announced plans to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial attempt to impose martial law. The move, intended to consolidate power by restricting political activity and censoring the media, has sparked widespread domestic outrage and international concern.

On Thursday, Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who reportedly advised Yoon to implement martial law, resigned. President Yoon swiftly appointed Choi Byung-hyuk, South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as his replacement. Kim now faces a travel ban as prosecutors investigate his role in the attempted military crackdown, while Yoon and the interior minister are also under scrutiny.

The Democratic Party, South Korea’s main opposition, plans to bring the impeachment motion to a vote in parliament on Saturday evening. With a two-thirds majority required for the motion to pass, the party will need support from at least eight members of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party. Divisions within the ruling party complicate the situation, as internal dissent grows with two years remaining in Yoon’s term.

The chaos follows Tuesday’s declaration of martial law, which saw armed troops attempt to enter the National Assembly, only to be repelled by parliamentary staff using fire extinguishers. Public outrage erupted, with many protesters fearing a return to the military dictatorships of South Korea's past.

Internationally, the crisis has caused unease. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba warned of potential regional instability, while U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, criticized Yoon’s decision. The U.S. maintains 28,500 troops in South Korea and has urged caution amid rising tensions.

Domestically, Yoon has faced mounting criticism for labeling his opponents as "communist totalitarian and anti-state forces" and for taking a hard stance against labor unions. His approval ratings have stagnated at around 20%, and opposition parties dominate parliament following April’s elections.

If the impeachment motion is approved, South Korea’s Constitutional Court will decide whether to uphold it, a process that could take up to six months. In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume leadership. If Yoon is ultimately removed, a new presidential election would be held within 60 days, potentially ending his presidency just two years after a narrow election victory.