South Korean President Yoon apologizes for martial law declaration amid impeachment turmoil

Before the impeachment vote, South Korean president regrets martial law debacle

South Korea is reeling from an unprecedented political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, only to revoke it hours later following intense opposition from lawmakers and public outrage. On Saturday, December 7, Yoon addressed the nation for the first time since the incident, apologizing for his actions and acknowledging the political and legal fallout that now threatens his presidency.

Martial law declaration and repeal

The declaration, which marked the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since the 1980s, shocked the nation and the international community. Yoon ordered the deployment of troops and helicopters to parliament, citing the need to “safeguard a liberal South Korea from threats posed by North Korea‘s communist forces and anti-state elements.” Security forces sealed the National Assembly, but lawmakers managed to overturn the decree in a dramatic late-night session.

Yoon’s move was met with immediate backlash, evoking painful memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past. The declaration blindsided not only South Koreans but also international allies, with the US government learning about the situation via news reports.

Yoon’s apology and acknowledgment

In a televised address on Saturday, Yoon expressed regret, stating, “The declaration of martial law arose from my urgency as the president. However, in the process, I caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public. I sincerely apologize to the greatly distressed citizens.”

Yoon pledged not to make another attempt at imposing martial law and left it to his conservative People Power Party (PPP) to navigate the political turmoil, including decisions about his term in office. “I will not shirk legal or political responsibility for this decision,” he added.

Impeachment vote looms

The crisis has set the stage for a parliamentary vote on Yoon’s impeachment, which could suspend him from office pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court. The opposition bloc, holding 192 of 300 seats, requires the support of at least eight PPP members to pass the motion.

Initially, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon opposed impeachment, warning against the chaos it might unleash. However, Han reversed his stance on Friday, saying, “If Yoon remains, there is a significant risk that extreme actions similar to the martial law declaration could be repeated, putting South Korea and its citizens in grave danger.” His change of heart reportedly stemmed from allegations that intelligence agencies under Yoon’s directive attempted to arrest politicians during the martial law declaration.

Despite Han’s remarks, PPP spokesperson Shin Dong-uk later clarified that no formal decision had been made to support impeachment.

Public outrage and plummeting approval

The declaration has fueled massive public protests, with tens of thousands expected to take to the streets ahead of the impeachment vote. Organizers predict attendance could exceed 200,000. Meanwhile, Yoon’s approval ratings have plummeted to a record low of 13%, according to a recent opinion poll.

International and historical context

The martial law episode has drawn sharp criticism from South Korea’s allies. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged South Korea to uphold its democratic processes, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region.

For many South Koreans, the incident harks back to the country’s autocratic past, when military regimes stifled democratic freedoms. The chaotic scenes at the National Assembly, where parliamentary staffers used sofas and fire extinguishers to block soldiers, and lawmakers climbed walls to vote, symbolize the nation’s hard-won democratic resilience.

What lies ahead

As South Korea prepares for the impeachment vote, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. If impeached, Yoon’s fate will rest with the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, the public’s faith in the government hangs in the balance, with the crisis highlighting deep divisions within South Korea’s political and social fabric.

Yoon’s apology may mark an attempt to defuse tensions, but the repercussions of his actions will likely shape South Korea’s political narrative for years to come.

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