South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has issued a public apology for declaring martial law, a decision that has severely shaken the country’s political stability. In a televised address on Friday evening, Yoon expressed regret and stated that he would fully accept his political party’s decision regarding his future.
“I deeply regret what has recently happened, and I sincerely apologize to everyone. To stabilize the political situation, I will accept any decision my party makes without objection. Whether I remain in office or not will also depend on the party’s final decision,” Yoon said.
Following the address, Han Dong Hoon, a senior leader of Yoon’s political party, the People Power Party (PPP), made it clear that the party was resolute. “The President has lost the legitimacy to hold office and fulfill his responsibilities. He must resign. This is non-negotiable,” Han told reporters.
The controversy erupted on December 3, when Yoon unexpectedly announced the imposition of martial law in a televised speech. He claimed it was necessary to safeguard South Korea’s sovereignty and constitution against potential threats from nuclear-armed North Korea and its allies. However, he did not provide evidence of an immediate threat.
The declaration triggered widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Under martial law, parliamentary activities would be suspended, political gatherings prohibited, and media placed under military control. Lawmakers from both the opposition and Yoon’s own party swiftly rejected the decree.
Tensions escalated when armed soldiers stormed the National Assembly building, breaking through windows as helicopters hovered overhead. Parliamentary staff resisted by using fire extinguishers to fend off the soldiers. Outside, protesters clashed with police.
Facing mounting pressure, Yoon revoked the martial law order within hours. South Korea’s state news agency, Yonhap, reported that the Cabinet officially repealed the law late Tuesday night. By Wednesday morning, lawmakers had begun calling for the President’s impeachment.
Political analysts suggest that Yoon’s decision to declare martial law has plunged the nation into an unprecedented political crisis. A member of the opposition told Yonhap, “Regardless of whether the President resigns, we will proceed with his impeachment.