South Korean President Yun Seok-Yeol apologized on Saturday for imposing martial law in the country for the first time since 1980, sparking anger from the public and lawmakers.
In a speech on the street, Yoon said, “I am very sorry, and I sincerely apologize to the people who may have been surprised.'' “We have no intention of avoiding the issues of legal and political responsibility associated with the declaration of martial law.”
Parliament will decide whether to impeach the leader in a vote later Saturday local time. Congress blocked the declaration of martial law earlier this week.
In his speech, Yun cited the “anxiety” caused by a military order to remove “anti-national forces” from the country, pointing out the gravity of his actions and the growing contempt he received from his fellow officials.
He promised never to declare martial law again.
“My fellow citizens, there is talk that martial law will be reimposed, but let me assure you that there will never be a second martial law,'' Yun said in his first public appearance since the order was lifted. said. “Dear people, I entrust my party with a plan to stabilize the political situation in the future, including my term of office.”
Nevertheless, the move still shocked Mr. Yun's People Power Party, led by Han Dong-hoon.
Mr. Han argued that Mr. Yoon should be suspended from his leadership position, saying he could “put the Republic of Korea and its people at grave risk.'' Associated Press.
He and Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, said Yoon was seeking to imprison opposition politicians under martial law, the Associated Press reported. Several key national defense leaders were suspended for acquiescing to Yun's demands.
Pending Saturday's vote, some are calling for Yun to resign. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of parliament on Friday, demanding the leaders resign.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
