Thousands of South Korean protestors call for president to resign over martial law order

Thousands of protesters have staged a rally in the South Korean capital, Seoul, to demand the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his decision to declare nationwide martial law in the country.

The demonstrators condemned the South Korean’s decision on Wednesday, calling for him to step down as they held signs reading "No to war and martial law, overthrow dictator Yoon Suk Yeol".

The protest rally came as opposition lawmakers in South Korea have put forward a motion to impeach Yoon over his attempt to impose martial law.

Owen Miller, an expert on Korea from the School of Oriental and African Studies, says it's "very likely" that Yoon will be impeached.

"Considering the shock of the situation, considering how far the current president gambled on this. I just can't see him surviving. I just cannot see it happening," he said.

South Korean president declares martial law to clamp down on 'pro-North Korean' lawmakers

The South Korean president has declared nationwide martial law in a move aimed at clamping down on his "despicable pro-North Korean" political opponents.

Late on Tuesday, Yoon declared nationwide martial law in a move to clamp down on his "despicable pro-North Korean" political opponents, plunging the country into deep turmoil. 

The surprise move sent shockwaves through the country which has not seen martial law since 1980.

South Korea's leader claimed he had no choice but to resort to martial law in order to safeguard the state’s free democratic rule and constitutional order, saying opposition parties have taken the parliamentary process hostage to throw the country into a crisis.

Following Yoon's announcement on Tuesday night, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, called on South Korean masses to head to the National Assembly where the entrance to the parliament building had been blocked by security and military forces.

More than 280 troops, backed by 24 helicopters, arrived at parliament to lock down the site after the announcement. However, the MPs defied the soldiers to force their way into parliament and unanimously voted against the order.

In a statement at about 4:30am (1930 GMT), Yoon said he would reverse his decision and confirmed that the troops sent to carry out the order would be withdrawn.

The decision to impose martial law came after the Democratic Party rejected the annual state budget bill proposed by Yoon's government last week, slashing more than 4 trillion won from the 2025 budget proposal.

This week, the party set forth a motion to impeach some of the country's top prosecutors.

Meanwhile, several countries have issued travel advisories, as protests continue around the parliament and the situation remains volatile in Seoul.

The US, UK, Japan, Singapore, Japan and Ukraine have all advised their citizens to follow the advice of local authorities and avoid protest areas.

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