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South Korea Faces Political Crisis as President Yoon Apologizes for Martial Law Decree
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol publicly apologized for his controversial decision to impose martial law, an unprecedented move that has plunged the nation into a political crisis. Despite calls from within his own party to step down, Yoon has refused to resign as lawmakers prepared for an impeachment vote.
In a televised address to the nation, Yoon acknowledged his decision to implement martial law had shocked the public. He vowed to accept legal and political responsibility for his actions, assuring citizens there would be no repeat of such measures.
“I sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked,” Yoon stated. He urged his party to focus on stabilizing the political landscape and left the decision about his term in office to their judgment. Standing before the national flag, Yoon concluded his remarks with a formal bow.
The apology marked Yoon's first public appearance since rescinding the martial law order, which was in place for just six hours before being overturned by parliament. The decree, met with strong resistance from lawmakers and the public, led to armed military and police interventions that failed to prevent the legislative body from voting against it.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s People Power Party, declared the president’s position untenable and called for his resignation. Previously, Han criticized Yoon as a threat to national stability. Han later met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to discuss the unfolding crisis.
Under South Korea’s constitution, the prime minister would serve as acting president if Yoon resigns or is impeached. In such a case, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. Lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party are moving forward with a vote on impeachment and have signaled their intent to revisit the matter if the initial motion fails.
The controversy has drawn scrutiny from law enforcement agencies, including prosecutors and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. Investigations are underway into allegations of insurrection and abuse of power tied to Yoon’s martial law decree.
The martial law order, announced late Tuesday, was framed as a response to unspecified threats from "North Korean communist forces" and domestic "pro-North antistate forces." Yoon accused opposition lawmakers of obstructing government operations through numerous impeachment attempts and budgetary actions he claimed undermined public safety.
The move has cast a shadow over South Korea’s democratic reputation, creating its most significant political crisis in decades. As Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key ally of the United States, the country now faces immense uncertainty about its political future.
Observers warn that the fallout from this crisis may have lasting implications for South Korea’s governance and its global standing as a democratic success story.
