Candle-lit vigils and rallies were held across South Korea on Wednesday, a nation outraged and frustrated by the president’s surprise declaration of martial law the night before called for his resignation.

Lawmakers filed a motion to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol, reflecting the fury over his audacious response to political gridlock. He lifted martial law within hours, and plans to address the nation on Thursday.

SEOUL—A day after declaring martial law, South Korea’s president is now facing the prospect of impeachment, creating more political instability for a close U.S. ally and prompting the resignation of the country’s defense minister.