South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol apologised to the nation after attempting to impose martial law earlier this week.
In a televised address, Yoon bowed to the public and expressed deep regret for his controversial decision. He promised to face all legal consequences, stating he would not avoid responsibility for his actions, which he described as made in desperation.
Impeachment Vote Looms Amid Political Turmoil
Yoon vowed there would be no further martial law orders, seeking to reassure a nation scarred by its history of military rule. He instructed his People’s Power Party (PPP) to stabilise the political situation, including making decisions about his presidency.
The impeachment vote is set for 17:00 local time (09:00 CET). The opposition, holding 192 of 300 parliamentary seats, is eight votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass the motion.
Earlier this week, Yoon briefly imposed martial law, claiming the need to combat “anti-state forces.” He accused the liberal Democratic Party of sympathising with North Korea but reversed the order after lawmakers rejected it.
Opposition parties have condemned his actions as unconstitutional and likened them to a coup. Members of Yoon’s party also criticised him, with some calling him a “great danger” to the nation.