South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Saturday for his controversial decision to impose martial law earlier this week but resisted calls to resign, despite mounting pressure from opposition and members of his own ruling People Power Party (PPP).
In his televised address, Yoon acknowledged public shock and expressed regret, stating that his decision stemmed from desperation. He pledged not to avoid legal or political consequences, saying, “I leave it up to my party to take steps to stabilize the political situation in the future, including the issue of my term in office.”
The apology came just hours before a planned parliamentary impeachment vote. Yoon rescinded the martial law order on Wednesday, six hours after its declaration, following a parliamentary vote against the decree despite military and police blockades.
PPP leader Han Dong-hoon called Yoon a “danger to the country” and deemed his resignation inevitable. Though the party formally opposed impeachment, some PPP members urged Yoon to step down to avoid repeating the 2016 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye. Her removal followed mass protests and led to the party’s collapse in subsequent elections.
Investigations are underway into Yoon and senior officials for potential charges of insurrection and abuse of power, which carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. As the impeachment vote looms, public demonstrations continue, reflecting the nation’s deepening political crisis.
