South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Apologizes Over Martial Law Attempt, Faces Impeachment Vote

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol publicly apologized on Saturday for declaring martial law earlier this week but refused to resign, despite mounting pressure from opposition parties and some members of his own ruling People Power Party (PPP). His apology came just hours before a scheduled impeachment vote in the National Assembly.

1. Apology Without Resignation

• In a televised address, Yoon expressed regret for shocking the nation, stating that his decision to impose martial law was a result of “desperation.”
• He assured the public that there would be “no second attempt” to impose martial law.
• “I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilize the political situation, including the issue of my term in office,” Yoon said, but he did not announce plans to step down.

2. Timeline of the Martial Law Declaration

• Tuesday Night: Yoon declared martial law, citing “unspecified threats” from “North Korean communist forces” and the need to eliminate “shameless pro-North anti-state forces.”
• Wednesday Morning: The National Assembly voted against the martial law order, and Yoon rescinded it just six hours after it was announced.

This was South Korea’s first declaration of martial law since 1980, triggering one of the country’s worst political crises in decades and threatening its image as a democratic success story.

3. Political Fallout and Impeachment Vote

• People Power Party (PPP) Split: Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s ruling PPP, called for Yoon’s resignation, stating that he is “no longer in a position to carry out his public duties.”
• Impeachment Vote: The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has submitted a motion to impeach Yoon. For the motion to pass, at least 200 out of 300 lawmakers must vote in favor. Since opposition parties control 192 seats, only 8 PPP lawmakers need to join them to carry the vote.
• Opposition Threatens a Second Vote: If the motion fails, DP leaders said they would revisit the impeachment process on Wednesday, December 11.

4. Global and Domestic Reactions

• U.S. Reaction: Senior U.S. officials expressed rare criticism of Yoon’s actions. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled plans to visit South Korea amid the turmoil.
• Mass Protests: Thousands of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly, demanding Yoon’s impeachment in scenes reminiscent of the 2016-2017 candlelight protests that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.

5. Legal Proceedings and Potential Charges

• Prosecutors, police, and South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) have launched investigations into Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law decree.
• Potential charges include insurrection, abuse of power, and obstructing the exercise of rights.
• The charge of leading an insurrection could result in a death sentence or life imprisonment.

6. Constitutional Court Process (If Impeached)

• If Yoon is impeached, a trial will be conducted by South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which needs a majority of six out of nine judges to confirm the impeachment. However, only six judges are currently in office, making it unclear if the court can even hear the case.
• In 2017, it took the court three months to remove then-President Park Geun-hye from office following her impeachment.