Islamabad, Dec 7: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday apologised for his attempt to impose martial law earlier this week, but he refused to resign despite intense pressure from his ruling party and just hours before a planned impeachment vote.
Yoon acknowledged that he made the decision to declare martial law, the first such move in South Korea since 1980, out of desperation.
He stated that he would not avoid legal or political responsibility for his actions.
In a televised address, Yoon expressed deep regret, saying, “I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked,” while bowing to the nation
He left the issue of his future political career up to his party, saying it was for them to decide how to stabilise the political situation moving forward.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP), responded by stating that Yoon could no longer fulfil his public duties and that his resignation was now unavoidable. Despite this, some PPP members later reaffirmed their opposition to impeachment.
Yoon shocked the nation on Tuesday by granting the military sweeping emergency powers to combat what he described as “anti-state forces” and to deal with political opponents. This declaration led to widespread protests, including thousands of candlelight demonstrators outside parliament on Friday night.
The martial law decree has prompted investigations by prosecutors, the police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, who are looking into potential charges of insurrection, abuse of authority, and obstructing citizens’ rights. If convicted, Yoon and the officials involved could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty for insurrection.
