Citizens hold a candlelight protest at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Dec. 4, the day after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. Yonhap

South Korea's parliament on Thursday formally introduced a motion to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, setting the stage for a historic vote which could oust the embattled president over a botched attempt to impose martial law.

The impeachment motion against Yoon was reported to a plenary session that opened shortly after midnight on Thursday.

Following the introduction of the motion, a vote on impeachment must be held within 24 to 72 hours. (Reuters)