Political Crisis in South Korea: President Yoon Suk Yeol Apologizes for Martial Law Declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has issued an apology for his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week, asserting that there will be no further attempts to impose such measures. The beleaguered leader now faces the prospect of impeachment following Tuesday night’s announcement, which was swiftly overturned by lawmakers in the National Assembly.

In a brief televised address, Yoon expressed regret, stating, “I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked.” Speculation had arisen that he might announce his resignation during this address—his first since the martial law declaration—but he opted instead to delegate the responsibility of stabilizing the situation to his ruling party, the People Power Party (PPP).

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the PPP, indicated that Yoon’s position has become untenable, stating, “His early resignation is inevitable.” The president did not address the issue of impeachment during his speech, despite mounting pressure from the opposition.

The opposition is pushing for a vote on an impeachment motion scheduled for Saturday, requiring at least eight members of Yoon’s party to support it for the two-thirds majority needed in the 300-seat parliament. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung expressed disappointment with Yoon’s remarks, arguing they would only fuel public anger and a sense of betrayal. He vowed to do everything possible to oust the president.

The political turmoil erupted late Tuesday when Yoon made the unexpected martial law declaration, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, it soon became evident that the decision stemmed more from his domestic political challenges than from external threats.

In a dramatic scene, lawmakers jumped over barricades and fences to reach the National Assembly and revoke Yoon’s decree, which was rescinded just six hours later after a parliamentary vote. Concerns lingered that Yoon might attempt a second declaration, prompting some lawmakers to remain near the National Assembly to prevent such a move.

Prior to this crisis, Yoon had been grappling with plummeting approval ratings, corruption allegations, and a legislature dominated by opposition forces that rendered him a lame-duck leader.