South Korean President Yoon Issues Apology for Martial Law Attempt, Faces Impeachment Vote
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol publicly apologized on Saturday for his controversial martial law declaration earlier this week but rejected mounting calls for his resignation, including from senior figures within his own ruling party.
In a nationally televised address, Yoon expressed deep regret over the declaration, marking South Korea’s first martial law attempt since 1980, and acknowledged the shock it caused. Describing his decision as an act of “desperation” to counter “anti-state forces,” Yoon bowed deeply, saying, “I am very sorry and would like to apologise to the people sincerely.” He left the decision on his future to his party, stating, “I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilise the political situation, including the issue of my term in office.”
Growing Calls for Resignation
Despite his apology, demands for Yoon’s resignation have intensified. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), said the president’s position was “untenable” and urged him to step down. “The president is no longer in a position to carry out public duty,” Han said, renewing his call for Yoon’s resignation.
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The opposition Democratic Party, alongside thousands of protesters, has pushed for Yoon’s impeachment. Mass demonstrations outside the National Assembly on Friday night echoed the 2016 candlelight protests that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.
Political Fallout and Legal Probes
Yoon’s martial law decree, announced Tuesday, had granted the military sweeping powers to suppress alleged political obstruction. However, Parliament quickly nullified the order, defying military and police blockades, and Yoon rescinded it by early Wednesday amid public outrage.
The fallout has triggered multiple legal probes by prosecutors, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law declaration face potential charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
A Divided Party and Nation
The crisis has fractured the ruling party, with some lawmakers advocating Yoon’s resignation to prevent a repeat of the 2016 impeachment saga that severely weakened South Korea’s conservative bloc.
As lawmakers prepare to vote on the impeachment motion, Yoon’s political future hangs in the balance, with the nation bracing for potentially far-reaching consequences. The decision will mark a defining moment for South Korea’s democratic institutions, which have faced significant tests in recent years.
