South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he would fight until the last minute to defend himself after accusing the opposition of trying to paralyze his administration.

Yoon’s defiant Thursday morning speech came as the chief of his own party called for his impeachment, with another vote expected Saturday.

The embattled president said the purpose of imposing martial law last week was to save the country, protect "free democracy” and normalize state functions. Speaking in a televised address, he said the move was aimed at sending a warning to the opposition by letting the public know about their "anti-state” moves and their sympathies for North Korea.