South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Apologises for Attempted Martial Law

Suk Yeol Apologises for Attempted Martial Law: Ahead of a parliamentary vote on his impeachment, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed regret for his brief attempt to impose martial law on Saturday. He announced that he would accept any legal or political repercussions.

In a televised address, Yoon acknowledged the public’s concerns and inconvenience. He said he’ll never do martial law again.

He left his political future to his party, the People Power Party. Yoon said he’ll face the legal consequences.

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After Yoon’s address, PPP leader Han Dong-hun immediately called for his resignation. He said the president is no longer qualified to be president.

"I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked," Reuters has quoted Yoon as saying.

Bowing during the address, he further said, "I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilise the political situation in the future, including the issue of my term in office."

Opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion but it’s unclear if they can get the 2/3 majority to pass it.

The Opposition needs at least 8 votes from the PPP to get the 192 votes in the 300-seat National Assembly. 18 PPP members voted to end martial law just hours ago.

Yoon’s move has caused a political crisis. It’s alarmed the US and Japan. Opposition MPs called it a self-coup.

They said it’s rebellion. Han during the parliamentary session called for Yoon’s immediate resignation but PPP voted against impeachment.

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Han on Friday accused Yoon of creating a national security threat. He also asked for Yoon’s powers to be suspended.

Han also said Yoon ordered the arrest of National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and himself during the martial law period - for “anti-state activities”.

What is Martial Law?

South Korea's constitution grants the president the authority to impose martial law during "wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states", AP reported. Martial law can involve suspending civil rights like freedom of press and assembly and limiting the powers of the courts and government agencies.

The National Assembly also has the power to revoke martial law by a majority vote. As they learned Yoon's declaration, lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly. Some even climbed walls to evade military barricades to ensure a quorum. They voted unanimously, 190-0, including 18 members of Yoon’s own party, to lift the martial law declaration.

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