Yoon Suk Yeol Apologizes for Martial Law Attempt Amid Political Crisis
South Korean President Apologizes for Martial Law Attempt
On Saturday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized for his brief attempt to impose martial law. In a televised address, he vowed to accept any legal consequences. His apology came just before a parliamentary vote on his impeachment, which has shaken the political landscape.
Yoon expressed deep regret for the concern his actions caused and promised never to seek martial law again. He also stated that his party, the People Power Party (PPP), would decide his political future.
Political Crisis Deepens with Opposition Demands for Resignation
After Yoon’s apology, PPP leader Han Dong-hun called for the president’s resignation. Han argued that Yoon was unfit for office. Opposition lawmakers then filed an impeachment motion, though it was unclear whether they could secure the necessary votes to pass it.
The opposition controls 192 of the 300 National Assembly seats. They need at least eight votes from the PPP to succeed. Earlier this week, 18 PPP members voted to abolish martial law, hours after Yoon declared it. Armed troops surrounded the National Assembly in an attempt to block the vote.
Accusations of Self-Coup and Growing Political Tensions
Yoon’s martial law declaration has sparked a political crisis, alarming South Korea’s allies, including Japan and the United States. Opposition MPs accuse Yoon of attempting a self-coup. They argue his actions justify impeachment on rebellion charges. Despite these claims, the PPP voted against impeachment during a parliamentary meeting.
National Security Concerns and Calls to Suspend Yoon’s Powers
On Friday, Han urged lawmakers to suspend Yoon’s powers immediately. He warned that the president posed a significant risk to national security. Han also accused Yoon of ordering the arrest of senior lawmakers, including himself, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, and National Assembly speaker Woo Won Shik, during martial law. Han claimed Yoon ordered the defense counterintelligence commander to detain the politicians on charges of “anti-state activities.”
In response, the defense ministry suspended several key officials, including the defense counterintelligence commander, Yeo In-hyung. Kim Yong Hyun, the former defense minister, is under investigation for rebellion after being suspected of encouraging the martial law declaration.
Military Deployment Fuels Growing Crisis
Kim Seon Ho, the acting defense minister, testified that military units were deployed to the National Assembly following Yoon’s martial law declaration. This fueled further concerns about the president’s actions and the escalating political crisis in South Korea.
The country now faces a critical moment in its political history. President Yoon’s future is uncertain as both opposition parties and members of his own political camp pressure him to step down. The next steps will determine whether he can survive this crisis.