South Korea’s President Yoon Apologizes amidst martial law backlash and looming impeachment vote

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a public apology on Saturday following widespread backlash over his brief declaration of martial law earlier this week. The controversial move, made ahead of a parliamentary vote on his impeachment, has plunged the nation into political turmoil.

In a televised address, Yoon acknowledged the public anxiety caused by his actions and promised not to impose martial law again. “The declaration was made out of desperation, but it caused public shock and inconvenience. I am truly sorry,” Yoon stated, adding that his political party would determine the course of his presidency.

On Tuesday night, President Yoon declared martial law, accusing parliament of obstructing governance and branding it a “den of criminals.” Military forces encircled the National Assembly, with army helicopters overhead, until lawmakers unanimously overturned the decree, forcing its repeal early Wednesday.

The declaration, the first of its kind in over 40 years, sparked outrage and mass protests across the country. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Seoul, demanding Yoon’s resignation, while his supporters held smaller rallies opposing impeachment.

A parliamentary vote on the opposition-led motion to impeach Yoon is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. While opposition parties control 192 of the 300 National Assembly seats, they need at least eight votes from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) to secure the two-thirds majority required for impeachment.

If the motion passes, Yoon’s powers will be suspended pending a decision by the Constitutional Court on whether to remove him from office. Such a scenario would mandate a presidential election within 60 days.

The PPP remains officially opposed to impeachment, but cracks are emerging within the party. PPP Chair Han Dong-hun, a prominent critic of Yoon, has called for his removal, citing the president’s erratic behavior and potential for further extreme actions.

Han has accused Yoon of ordering the arrest of key politicians during the brief martial law period, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik and opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. Defense Ministry officials confirmed the suspension of several high-ranking military officers involved in enforcing the decree, and former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun faces an investigation over rebellion charges.

Yoon’s actions have alarmed international allies, including the United States and Japan, as South Korea, one of Asia’s most stable democracies, grapples with a leadership crisis. Critics, including opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, have labeled the martial law declaration a “self-coup.”

“President Yoon’s apology falls short,” Lee said, calling for his immediate resignation or impeachment.

As the impeachment vote approaches, South Korea’s political future hangs in the balance. The PPP fears that Yoon’s removal could fracture the conservative bloc and lead to a liberal victory in a by-election.

For now, the nation watches as parliament convenes to decide the fate of its embattled leader, a decision that could reshape the trajectory of South Korea’s democracy. Amnewsworld will provide updates as the situation develops.