President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea apologised ahead of an impeachment vote following his attempt to impose martial law.
In a televised address, Yoon bowed to the nation, expressing regret for his actions earlier this week. He pledged to accept all legal consequences, describing his decision as one made out of desperation. Yoon assured the public there would be no further martial law orders, addressing fears in a nation scarred by its history of military rule.
Political Tensions Ahead of Impeachment Vote
Yoon directed his People’s Power Party (PPP) to take steps to stabilise the political situation, including decisions on his presidency. The impeachment vote is scheduled for 17:00 local time (09:00 CET). The opposition, holding 192 of 300 parliamentary seats, needs eight more votes for a two-thirds majority.
Earlier this week, Yoon briefly imposed martial law, citing the need to combat “anti-state forces” and accusing the liberal Democratic Party of North Korea sympathies. The order was overturned after 190 lawmakers entered parliament to reject it.
Opposition parties called his actions unconstitutional and labelled them a rebellion. Even members of his own party criticised him, with some describing him as a “great danger” to citizens.