South Korean president faces impeachment vote after martial law rollback
The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, in a brief address to the nation on Saturday, expressed deep regret for the anxiety caused by the declaration of martial law on December 3. However, he did not resign.
This was Yoon's first public appearance since he lifted the martial law on Wednesday, only six hours after its announcement. This quick reversal followed a vote by legislators who managed to break through the military and police cordon to enter the National Assembly building, thereby rejecting the president's decree.
Yoon "deeply sorry" for martial law
Yoon said in a televised speech that the decision to impose martial law "stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs." He admitted that it caused concern and inconvenience for citizens, for which he is "deeply sorry." He stressed that he has no intention of declaring martial law again.
The head of state announced that he would not evade legal or political responsibility for the declaration made on Tuesday and its consequences. Yoon entrusted the "party with methods to stabilise the political situation, including the remainder of my term," to the ruling People's Power Party, from which he originates, and his administration.
At the end of the speech, the president stood at the podium and bowed deeply before leaving.
On Saturday afternoon, Eastern Time, a vote is scheduled to decide whether to initiate impeachment proceedings against Yoon. It is uncertain whether the motion, submitted by six opposition parties that together hold 192 seats, will gather the required two-thirds support in the 300-member National Assembly.
The leader of the People's Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, stated after Yoon's speech that the president's earlier resignation is "inevitable" because he is no longer capable of performing public duties. It is unclear if this indicates support for the motion to impeach Yoon. On Friday, Han had declared that the party would block the impeachment bill.
Conversely, the leader of the largest opposition force, the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, said he would strongly pursue the premature end of Yoon's term, as he believes his presidency is "dangerous" for the nation.
The Yonhap agency reported earlier that the vote on the motion to impeach Yoon will be preceded by another vote on a bill to establish a special office to investigate allegations against President Yoon's wife, Kim Kun-hee.
