President of South Korea Yun Suk-yeol. Photo: Getty images
South Korean President Yun Suk-young on Saturday publicly apologised for his attempt to impose martial law, but refused to step down despite considerable pressure, including calls from within his ruling party. The apology came on the eve of a planned parliamentary vote to impeach the head of state, The Guardian reports.
Yoon, who decided to declare martial law for the first time since 1980, called his actions an “act of desperation”, noting that he was ready to bear legal and political responsibility.
Chronology of events:
- The martial law decree was issued late on Tuesday and cancelled only six hours later on Wednesday after considerable opposition from lawmakers.
- In a speech to the nation, Yoon admitted his mistakes:
“I am very sorry, and I would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked,” the president said, bowing.
Political reaction:
- Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the ruling People’s Power Party (PPN), said that Yoon could no longer perform his duties and that impeachment was “inevitable”.
- The opposition Democratic Party initiated impeachment proceedings, arguing that the president should be removed because of the threat to democracy.
- In the event of Yun’s impeachment or voluntary resignation, the prime minister will assume the presidency.
Protests and investigations:
- Thousands of citizens took to the streets with candles, demanding Yun’s resignation. Demonstrations are expected to continue in the run-up to the vote.
- The Prosecutor’s Office, police and anti-corruption authorities have launched investigations against the President and senior officials involved in the decree on possible charges of rebellion, abuse of power and obstruction of citizens’ rights.
Charges of organising an uprising in South Korea are punishable by death or life imprisonment, making this case one of the most serious political scandals in the country’s recent history.
