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.

South Korean lawmakers began impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol after he briefly imposed martial law and then reversed course on that decision just hours later. Yoon claimed martial law was necessary to protect the country from "North Korea's communist forces" and to "eliminate anti-state elements.

Asian markets are mostly lower after overnight political drama in South Korea added to regional uncertainties.

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.