South Korea is reeling after a whiplash eight hours during which the country’s embattled president declared martial law but was forced to lift it amid widespread condemnation, throwing the country’s political landscape into chaos and uncertainty.

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.

These moments resonate with South Koreans in their daily lives, even if there’s still widespread confusion over the president’s decision.