South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a public apology to the nation in his first comments since his failed attempt to impose martial law, which triggered political turmoil and sparked calls for his impeachment.
“In my role as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs, this declaration of emergency martial law came from my desperation,” Yoon said in a brief, two-minute address.
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“I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been greatly shocked,” Yoon said, acknowledging that he “caused anxiety and inconvenience” to South Korean citizens.
Yoon, who is expected to face an impeachment vote in parliament this weekend, said he “will not avoid the legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration.”
The controversy erupted late Tuesday night when Yoon announced martial law in an unexpected televised address, accusing the main opposition party of aligning with North Korea and engaging in “anti-state activities.” He pointed to a motion by the Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal.
However, just six hours later, Yoon was forced to retract the declaration after lawmakers bypassed soldiers to enter parliament and unanimously revoke the decree.
Addressing rumours on Saturday about the possibility of invoking martial law again, Yoon stated, “There will absolutely be no second attempt at a constitutional amendment.”
“I will entrust my party with methods to stabilize the political situation, including the remainder of my term… I apologize to the citizens for the concerns I have caused,” Yoon concluded as he stepped off the podium and bowed.
The declaration of a military emergency, though brief, shocked and enraged the nation, still deeply scarred by the martial law imposed during the brutal military dictatorship that ruled for decades, until South Korea fought a long and bloody battle for democracy in the 1980s.
In the days following the announcement, pressure on Yoon has intensified, with protesters and opposition figures calling for his impeachment, and support faltering even within his own party and the military.
The leader of the ruling party declared after Yoon’s address that the president’s resignation was now inevitable.
Han Dong-hoon, head of Yoon’s People Power Party, told reporters it was “impossible for the president to carry on his normal duties,” adding that his “early resignation is inevitable.”
On Friday, Han went further, calling for Yoon to be immediately suspended from duty to protect the country from “grave danger,” marking a dramatic shift in his stance and adding to the mounting pressure on the president ahead of a parliamentary impeachment vote.
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