South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has narrowly survived an impeachment vote in parliament following his controversial attempt to declare martial law earlier this week.
Facing growing calls for his resignation, Yoon’s failed martial law declaration sparked strong opposition and backlash. The motion to impose martial law was overturned in the assembly, with 18 members from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) voting against it.
However, on Saturday evening, PPP lawmakers rallied in support of the president, prioritizing the prevention of a progressive government return over concerns about his actions.
Following the vote, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon stated that the party would continue to press for the president’s “orderly resignation” to minimize confusion.
Opposition lawmaker Kim Joon-hyung of the Rebuilding Korea Party asserted that Yoon could not remain in office until the end of his term. “The sooner he resigns or is impeached, the better for our country,” he said.
Opposition lawmakers have already submitted another motion for Yoon’s impeachment, which will be voted on Wednesday, December 11.
In his first public comments since the crisis, Yoon apologized to the nation on Saturday, acknowledging that his attempt to declare martial law had caused significant political turmoil.
“This emergency martial law declaration stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs,” Yoon said in a brief address. “I am deeply sorry and sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been greatly shocked,” he added, recognizing that his actions caused anxiety and inconvenience.
Yoon also vowed to take full responsibility for the martial law declaration, both legally and politically.
