South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has defended his recent declaration of martial law, framing it as a necessary move to safeguard the nation’s democracy. This comes as the country’s parliament announced receiving a new joint motion from six opposition parties seeking to impeach the president.

In a defiant televised address, President Yoon argued his martial-law decree was an act of governance. The South Korean leader is under investigation for a variety of charges, including insurrection.