South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol finds himself at the center of a political storm after declaring martial law earlier this week, a move that sparked public outrage and calls for his resignation.
The president, now facing potential impeachment, has issued a public apology but stopped short of stepping down.
In a brief televised address, Yoon expressed remorse over the controversial declaration, stating, “I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked. Regarding the declaration of martial law, I will not avoid any legal or political responsibility.”
The declaration, made late Tuesday night, cited threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea.
However, opposition lawmakers and analysts suggest it was a desperate attempt to consolidate power amid plummeting approval ratings and ongoing corruption allegations.
The martial law decree was swiftly overturned by parliament after lawmakers defied security forces to convene and vote against it.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung condemned Yoon’s apology, describing it as inadequate and a further betrayal of the people’s trust.
“The greatest risk facing South Korea right now is the very existence of the president,” he said, vowing to push for an impeachment vote on Saturday.
Within Yoon’s own ruling People Power Party, the backlash has been severe. Party leader Han Dong-hoon told reporters, “It has become impossible for Yoon to continue his normal duty. His early resignation is inevitable.”
Across South Korea, the public has reacted with anger and disbelief. Yang Soonsil, a seafood vendor in Seoul’s Namdaemun Market, described her fear during the martial law declaration. “I have lost complete trust in him as a president. We need to fight until the end,” she said.
Another Seoul resident, Han Jungmo, dismissed Yoon’s apology as insufficient, saying, “He must either step down voluntarily or be impeached. This president has broken trust with the people.”
Yoon’s brief martial law declaration, which lasted six hours before being repealed, has left the nation grappling with its political future.
Lawmakers have reportedly remained on high alert, wary of another attempt to impose military rule.
