South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Saturday for his decision to impose martial law earlier this week. He expressed regret for the shock caused by the move but refused to resign, despite growing pressure. His televised address came just hours before a parliamentary vote on his impeachment. Yoon described the martial law order as a desperate action and vowed to take political and legal responsibility for it. “I sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked,” he said, bowing deeply during the address. However, he left the decision on his political future to his ruling People Power Party (PPP), stating, “I leave it up to my party to stabilize the political situation, including my term.”
Pressure from Ruling Party for Resignation
Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the PPP, criticized Yoon’s actions and called for his resignation. He labeled the president as a threat to national stability and argued that his actions jeopardized public safety. On Friday, Han demanded that Yoon step down, saying, “The president’s actions jeopardize public safety. He must step down.” Despite these demands, the PPP officially opposed impeachment, showing divisions within the party. Some PPP members suggested that Yoon resign voluntarily to avoid the political chaos similar to the fallout from former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2016, which led to party fragmentation and a liberal electoral surge.
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Impeachment Vote Scheduled
South Korea’s parliament is set to vote on an impeachment motion filed by the opposition Democratic Party. If passed, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was appointed by Yoon, will assume the role of interim president. While opposition lawmakers argue that Yoon’s actions threaten South Korea’s democratic principles, members of the PPP warn that impeachment could destabilize the country further. The vote is seen as a critical moment in South Korea’s political landscape, with both sides preparing for a tense outcome.
Public Protests Against Martial Law
Yoon’s martial law announcement on Tuesday shocked the nation, granting the military emergency powers to target “anti-state forces” and overcome political opposition. Critics likened the move to South Korea’s authoritarian past, triggering widespread outrage. Thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament on Friday night, holding candles and demanding Yoon’s impeachment. The protests are expected to continue until the vote, with public sentiment increasingly turning against the president.
Investigations Into Yoon’s Actions
Prosecutors, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have launched investigations into Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law decree. These investigations focus on charges of insurrection, abuse of authority, and obstructing the rights of others. If convicted, those found guilty of leading an insurrection could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. The ongoing legal action aims to hold Yoon and his administration accountable for their controversial decisions.
Uncertain Political Future Ahead
South Korea now faces a period of political uncertainty. Yoon’s refusal to step down has deepened divisions within his ruling party and sparked widespread protests across the country. Opposition leaders see the impeachment motion as an opportunity to restore democratic values, while Yoon’s supporters argue that impeachment would create unnecessary instability.
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