President Yoon apologises for martial law chaos as impeachment vote looms

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a formal apology on 7 December 2024, addressing the nation in a televised statement for the disorder caused by his recent declaration of martial law.

Speaking from the presidential office at 10 a.m., Yoon acknowledged the public’s anxiety and pledged to take political and legal responsibility.

The martial law declaration earlier this week has thrown South Korea into political upheaval, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties and dividing public opinion.

Yoon stated that his decision was driven by the urgency of his role as president but admitted the process led to significant public unease.

“I sincerely apologise to the citizens who must have been startled,” Yoon said. “I will not shirk legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law.”

He assured the public that there would be no recurrence of martial law, emphasising that all decisions regarding the political situation, including his term in office, would be entrusted to the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Yoon ended his address with a deep bow of contrition to the nation.

Impeachment motion on the table

The apology came just seven hours before the National Assembly’s scheduled vote on Yoon’s impeachment motion, which has dominated political discourse.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), along with five minor opposition parties, submitted the motion, alleging constitutional violations and abuses of power in Yoon’s martial law declaration.

With the opposition bloc holding 192 of the Assembly’s 300 seats, the impeachment motion requires the support of at least eight PPP lawmakers to achieve the two-thirds majority needed for passage.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon responded to Yoon’s address by reiterating his stance that the president’s resignation was inevitable.

“The normal performance of duties is no longer feasible. Early resignation is unavoidable,” Han said, promising the party’s commitment to seeking a resolution that prioritises the country’s stability.

Opposition rejects apology

DPK leaders were quick to dismiss Yoon’s apology. Chief spokesperson Jo Seoung-lae declared the president unfit to remain in office, stating, “We cannot tolerate a leader of insurrection continuing to serve as president.”

DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung also criticised Yoon’s remarks, describing them as “completely out of line with the people’s expectations” and claiming they had heightened public anger and disillusionment.

“The president is the biggest risk to the Republic of Korea,” Lee said. “Immediate resignation or impeachment is the only way forward.”

Internal rift within the PPP

While most PPP lawmakers have opposed the impeachment motion, cracks in the party’s unity are beginning to show.

Rep. Cho Kyoung-tae, who initially expressed support for impeachment, softened his stance following Yoon’s apology, instead calling for a structured plan for Yoon’s early resignation.

Cho stressed that PPP leader Han Dong-hoon must take full responsibility for navigating this crisis.

Broader implications

If the impeachment motion passes, the Constitutional Court will determine whether to remove Yoon from office. Should the court uphold the motion, Yoon would become the second South Korean president to be impeached, following Park Geun-hye’s removal in 2017.

Additionally, the National Assembly will hold a revote on a bill for a special counsel investigation into allegations of corruption and election interference involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee, vetoed by Yoon for the third time.

A separate impeachment motion against Interior Minister Lee Sang-min is also on the agenda.

The coming hours will be critical in determining Yoon’s political fate and the trajectory of South Korea’s governance.

As the nation watches closely, both the PPP and the opposition are tasked with managing the fallout of one of the most tumultuous weeks in recent South Korean history.