South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Apologizes for Martial Law Attempt Amid Calls for Resignation

Seoul, South Korea: President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a public apology on Saturday for his controversial decision earlier this week to impose martial law, marking the first such declaration in South Korea since 1980. Despite mounting pressure to resign, including criticism from members of his own ruling party, Yoon announced he would not step down, setting the stage for a heated impeachment vote later in the day.

In a nationally televised address, Yoon described the martial law decision as an act of desperation but accepted responsibility for its repercussions. “I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked,” he said, bowing deeply during the broadcast. “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.”

Yoon rescinded the martial law order on Wednesday, just six hours after it was announced, following a swift parliamentary vote against the decree. Lawmakers had defied military and police blockades to gather and oppose the emergency measure.

The move to impose martial law, framed by Yoon as a bid to combat “anti-state forces” and political obstruction, has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), called the president’s actions a danger to the nation. On Friday, Han declared Yoon unfit for office and urged him to step down, though the PPP officially opposed impeachment.

“President Yoon is no longer in a position to carry out public duties. His resignation is now unavoidable,” Han stated after Yoon’s address.

As tensions mounted, Han Dong-hoon was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, according to Yonhap News. Should Yoon resign or be impeached, the South Korean constitution mandates that the prime minister, appointed by the president, assume the role of interim leader.

The Democratic Party, the main opposition, has led the charge for Yoon’s impeachment, with lawmakers preparing for a critical vote on the matter later Saturday.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday stunned the nation, granting the military sweeping emergency powers and raising fears of authoritarian overreach. The backlash has intensified calls for accountability as South Korea grapples with its most significant political crisis in years.