South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Apologizes for Martial Law Attempt

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a public apology on Saturday for his brief attempt to impose martial law, promising to accept any legal or political consequences. In a televised address, Yoon expressed regret for causing public alarm and pledged never to seek martial law again. He stated that his political future would be determined by his party, the People Power Party (PPP).

Following the speech, PPP leader Han Dong-hun called for Yoon's resignation, stating that he was unfit for office. Opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion, but securing the necessary two-thirds majority remains uncertain. The opposition holds 192 of the National Assembly's 300 seats, requiring at least eight votes from the PPP to pass the motion.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol addresses the nation live at Seoul Station

Yoon's actions, including surrounding the National Assembly with armed troops, have ignited a political crisis and drawn concern from international allies such as Japan and the United States. Opposition MPs have argued that Yoon's martial law decree was a form of self-coup, leading to the impeachment petition. Despite calls for his resignation, the PPP rejected the motion during a parliamentary meeting.

In a further escalation, Han called for the immediate suspension of Yoon’s powers, citing national security risks. Han claimed that Yoon had ordered the arrest of key opposition figures, including himself and National Assembly leaders, on charges of "anti-state activities." The defense ministry has since suspended several officials involved, including the defense counterintelligence commander, Yeo In-hyung. Kim Yong Hyun, Yoon's former defense minister, is under investigation for rebellion, suspected of advising on the martial law declaration.