South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologised for declaring martial law in the country earlier this week. In a televised speech, Yoon bowed to the people and said that there wouldn’t be another such order. His speech came only hours ahead of a planned impeachment vote.
Notably, as Yoon issued the order, the National Assembly quickly convened to overturn the order. The leader of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) also took a stand against him and said that it wasn’t possible for Yoon to continue his normal duties.
“His early resignation is inevitable,” said Han Dong-hoon.
On Dec 3, he gave the military sweeping emergency powers calling for the removal of “anti-state forces”. In his address, he accused the opposition of “anti-state” activities and called out supposed “pro-North [Korea] forces”.
Yoon in his latest address said he would not seek to avoid legal and political responsibility for his decision and said that it was born of desperation. “I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked,” Yoon said in his brief televised speech.
This was the embattled leader’s first public appearance since he retracted the martial law order early on Wednesday (December 4).
It was expected that he would announce his resignation in this speech. However, he did not mention it, nor did he talk about impeachment.
The country’s ruling party chief has also asked him to “suspend his duties soon”. People Power Party (PPP) chief Han Doong-hoon said that citizens of the nation would be in “great danger” if Yoon remained in power.
He further said that his party has received “credible” evidence that Yoon planned on arresting key politicians on “anti-state charges” upon declaring the emergency martial law.
Han is reportedly worried that Yoon might repeat his “extreme actions” of he continues to occupy the presidential office. According to BBC, some lawmakers are staying close to the National Assembly so that they can veto another attempt by Yoon to impose martial law.
Meanwhile, the opposition will vote on the motion to impeach Yoon on Saturday. It needs at least eight members from Yoon’s party to vote in favour so that it passes with a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament.