Seoul, South Korea – In a dramatic turn of South Korean politics, President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a public apology on Saturday for his short-lived declaration of martial law, which had stirred significant public unrest and political backlash. Amid mounting pressure, Yoon openly pledged to bear any legal repercussions and announced that he would not seek martial law in the future. This declaration came just before a parliamentary session to review the motion for his impeachment.
During his televised speech, President Yoon expressed his deep regret over the turmoil caused by his actions, acknowledging the fear and inconvenience imposed on the citizens. Yoon stated that the ruling People Power Party (PPP) would have the final say on his political fate, emphasizing his readiness to face any judicial or political outcomes.
The immediate aftermath of Yoon’s broadcast saw intensified political reactions. Han Dong-hun, the leader of the PPP, denounced Yoon’s capability to continue in office and encouraged his resignation. Meanwhile, opposition leaders pursued impeachment, though they faced the challenge of securing a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly to pass the motion. The opposition, holding 192 seats, required support from at least eight members of Yoon’s own party.
The impeachment efforts followed an eventful Wednesday when Yoon’s declaration of martial law led to the deployment of heavily armed forces around the National Assembly in hopes of hindering the impeachment vote. In response, 18 members from Yoon’s party joined the opposition shortly after the decree to vote successfully against the martial law imposition.
Yoon’s controversial actions have worried international allies, including the United States and Japan, posing potential regional stability concerns. The impeachment proposal accuses Yoon of essentially orchestrating a self-coup by declaring martial law without sufficient grounds and using it to challenge the legislative process.
Further escalating the crisis, on Friday, Han demanded the immediate removal of Yoon’s presidential powers, warning that his continuation in office poses a severe threat to national security. He revealed that during the brief martial law period, Yoon had ordered the arrest of prominent opposition leaders and other key political figures on charges of engaging in anti-state activities.
In response to these allegations, several high-ranking officials, including the defense counterintelligence commander Yeo In-hyung, were suspended from duty. Additionally, investigations have been launched against Kim Yong Hyun, the former defense minister suspected of promoting the martial law initiative, on charges related to inciting rebellion.
Moreover, Kim Seon Ho, who stepped in as acting defense minister following Yong Hyun’s resignation, testified before parliament confirming the deployment of military units around the National Assembly during the imposition of martial law.
This political unrest occurs at a critical juncture for South Korea, with both domestic governance and international relations hanging in balance, underscoring the complex dynamics of political authority and military power within the country.
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