South Korean President Issues Apology for Martial Law
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed that he is “deeply sorry” for the temporary imposition of martial law in the country. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has stated he will not shy away from responsibility for his actions. In a brief, two-minute address to the nation on Saturday, Yoon expressed that he is “deeply sorry” for the recent imposition of martial law and assured the public that he would not resort to such measures again. This marked his first public appearance since the crisis unfolded earlier in the week.
He explained, “This emergency martial law declaration stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs,” acknowledging the anxiety and inconvenience his actions caused. “I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologize to the citizens, who must have been greatly shocked,” he added.
Yoon dismissed rumors regarding a potential second martial law declaration, affirming that “there will absolutely be no second attempt at a constitutional amendment.” As the parliament prepared to vote on his impeachment, he emphasized his commitment to facing “legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration.”
In his closing remarks, Yoon mentioned, “I will entrust my party with methods to stabilize the political situation, including the remainder of my term… I apologize to the citizens for the concerns I have caused.”
Originally, Yoon’s People Power Party had pledged to obstruct impeachment efforts. However, on Friday, party leader Han Dong-hoon shifted his position, urging for the president's immediate suspension due to the “grave danger” his continued leadership posed. Han cited “credible evidence” that Yoon had ordered the arrest of key politicians during the fleeting martial law period.
On Saturday, Han reiterated his belief that “early resignation is inevitable” for the president as fulfilling his normal duties had become unfeasible.
Late Tuesday, Yoon unexpectedly announced the emergency martial law on national television, claiming that opposition groups, which he accused of being sympathetic to North Korea, were allegedly plotting a “rebellion.” Within hours, 190 lawmakers bypassed military cordons to vote unanimously for the repeal of the martial law decree. Thousands protested in the streets against the president’s actions.
Less than six hours after the imposition of martial law, Yoon decided to retract his decision.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
He explained, “This emergency martial law declaration stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs,” acknowledging the anxiety and inconvenience his actions caused. “I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologize to the citizens, who must have been greatly shocked,” he added.
Yoon dismissed rumors regarding a potential second martial law declaration, affirming that “there will absolutely be no second attempt at a constitutional amendment.” As the parliament prepared to vote on his impeachment, he emphasized his commitment to facing “legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration.”
In his closing remarks, Yoon mentioned, “I will entrust my party with methods to stabilize the political situation, including the remainder of my term… I apologize to the citizens for the concerns I have caused.”
Originally, Yoon’s People Power Party had pledged to obstruct impeachment efforts. However, on Friday, party leader Han Dong-hoon shifted his position, urging for the president's immediate suspension due to the “grave danger” his continued leadership posed. Han cited “credible evidence” that Yoon had ordered the arrest of key politicians during the fleeting martial law period.
On Saturday, Han reiterated his belief that “early resignation is inevitable” for the president as fulfilling his normal duties had become unfeasible.
Late Tuesday, Yoon unexpectedly announced the emergency martial law on national television, claiming that opposition groups, which he accused of being sympathetic to North Korea, were allegedly plotting a “rebellion.” Within hours, 190 lawmakers bypassed military cordons to vote unanimously for the repeal of the martial law decree. Thousands protested in the streets against the president’s actions.
Less than six hours after the imposition of martial law, Yoon decided to retract his decision.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
