South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a televised apology on Saturday, acknowledging the public distress caused by his short-lived declaration of martial law earlier this week. The controversial move, made just before a parliamentary vote on his impeachment, has plunged the nation into political turmoil and drawn widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.
In his brief address, President Yoon expressed regret, stating, “The declaration of martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot.” He pledged not to repeat such actions and deferred to his party to navigate the country’s ongoing political crisis, including decisions about his term in office.
The martial law declaration, announced Tuesday night, involved special forces encircling the National Assembly building and army helicopters hovering overhead. The measure was swiftly overturned by a unanimous parliamentary vote, forcing President Yoon to rescind it before dawn on Wednesday. This marked the first martial law declaration in South Korea in over 40 years.
The National Assembly is set to vote on an impeachment motion against President Yoon later on Saturday. The motion, brought by opposition parties, accuses him of rebellion and attempting a self-coup. To pass, the motion requires a two-thirds majority. While opposition parties control 192 of the 300 parliamentary seats, they need at least eight members of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to cross the aisle.
Tensions within the PPP have heightened after its chair, Han Dong-hun, called for President Yoon’s removal, describing him as unfit for office. However, the party’s official stance remains against impeachment. Analysts suggest the PPP fears losing a potential presidential by-election to the liberals if Yoon is impeached and removed from office.
The martial law declaration has sparked massive protests across Seoul, with thousands demanding President Yoon’s resignation. Protesters have waved banners, chanted slogans, and even adapted K-pop songs to voice their discontent. Smaller rallies supporting Yoon have also taken place, but they have been overshadowed by the widespread public outcry.
The crisis has alarmed South Korea’s allies, including the United States and Japan, as the political instability threatens one of Asia’s strongest democracies. Observers fear the turmoil could weaken South Korea’s domestic governance and international standing.
Emerging details have further implicated President Yoon in controversial actions during the brief martial law period. Han Dong-hun alleged that Yoon had instructed the defense counterintelligence commander to detain key political figures, including opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, under accusations of “anti-state activities.” This claim was corroborated in part by testimony from the National Intelligence Service and the Defense Ministry.
The Defense Ministry has since suspended several military officials involved in implementing martial law, including the commanders of the capital defense and special warfare units. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, accused of recommending martial law, is now under investigation for rebellion charges and has been placed under a travel ban.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung called Yoon’s apology “greatly disappointing” and reiterated demands for his immediate resignation or impeachment. “The only way forward is for President Yoon to step down,” Lee told reporters.
The National Assembly is expected to first vote on appointing a special prosecutor to investigate influence-peddling allegations involving Yoon’s wife before addressing the impeachment motion. The outcome of the impeachment vote remains uncertain, but the stakes for South Korea’s democracy and governance could not be higher.