South Korea’s President apologizes for declaring martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized for declaring martial law earlier this week and said no other such order would be made.

The embattled leader faces possible impeachment after Tuesday night’s announcement, which was quickly overturned in the National Assembly.

In response to the President’s address, the leader of his ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) told reporters that it had become impossible for Yun to continue his normal duties.

Han Dong-hoon said, “His early resignation is inevitable.”

It was anticipated that Yun would use the address to the nation – his first since declaring martial law – to resign but he did not do so, instead saying he would leave the task of stabilizing the situation to his ruling party. Will hand over.

He did not even mention impeachment.

The opposition is pushing for a vote on the motion to impeach Yun on Saturday. At least eight members of Yun’s party are needed to vote for his impeachment to pass a motion with a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament.

South Korea was plunged into political turmoil late Tuesday when Yun suddenly declared martial law.

He cited threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, it soon became clear that his move was motivated not by external threats but by his own domestic political troubles.

Some lawmakers jumped over barricades and fences to get past security forces to convene parliament and revoke Yoon’s order.

Yun withdrew the declaration six hours after lawmakers rejected it, but there were concerns he would attempt to enact a second decree. Some MPs were staying near the National Assembly to make sure they were prepared for its repeal.

Before his attempt to put the country under military rule, Yun was dogged by low popularity ratings, corruption allegations and an opposition-led legislature that made him a lame-duck leader.