South Korea opposition files motion to impeach Yoon

South Koreans have been describing feelings of worry, shock and confusion after the country’s president plunged the country into political chaos – declaring martial law and hours later revoking the move after a major outcry.

In a televised address on Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol said military rule was needed to protect the country from North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements – before it was swiftly blocked by MPs.

It has left some South Koreans anxious about the fallout from the political instability, including Seoul resident Ra Ji-soo, who reported hearing helicopters near her home late on Tuesday.

Speaking shortly after the president’s address, she told the BBC it felt like a “coup d’état in Myanmar is happening here in Korea. I’m worried.”