By Presidential Residence of South Korea
South Korean President Yoon Apologizes Amid Martial Law Controversy
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a public apology on Saturday following widespread criticism of his brief attempt to impose martial law. In a televised address, Yoon expressed regret for his actions, pledged never to resort to martial law again, and offered to accept any legal or political consequences. This apology comes as opposition lawmakers push for his impeachment, accusing him of a “self-coup.”
Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation
Following Yoon’s address, People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hun called for his resignation, declaring him unfit to continue in office. The opposition swiftly filed an impeachment motion, though it remains uncertain whether they can secure the required two-thirds majority in the 300-seat National Assembly. While the opposition controls 192 seats, they would need at least eight PPP votes to pass the motion.
The crisis deepened on Wednesday when 18 PPP lawmakers joined opposition efforts to abolish martial law, hours after Yoon declared it. Heavily armed troops had surrounded the National Assembly in an apparent attempt to disrupt the vote.
Allegations of Overreach and Abuse of Power
Opposition lawmakers have described Yoon’s martial law declaration as an act of rebellion, citing the arrest orders for senior politicians, including opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, and PPP leader Han Dong-hun. According to Han, Yoon had instructed the defense counterintelligence commander, Yeo In-hyung, to detain these politicians on charges of “anti-state activities.”
In response to these allegations, the defense ministry suspended several officials, including Yeo. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, suspected of orchestrating the martial law declaration, is under investigation for rebellion. His successor, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho, confirmed before parliament that military units had been deployed to the National Assembly under Yoon’s orders.
Regional and International Concerns
Yoon’s controversial actions have alarmed key allies, including Japan and the United States, raising concerns over South Korea’s political stability and democratic governance. While the PPP voted against impeachment during a parliamentary session, Han warned that Yoon’s continuation in office poses a “serious risk to national security.”
This unfolding political crisis has cast a shadow over Yoon’s presidency, with his leadership under intense scrutiny from domestic and international stakeholders alike.
