South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has apologized after his surprise attempt to impose martial law on Tuesday night, which sparked strong protests from citizens and lawmakers and was repealed just six hours later.
In his address, Yoon said the reason for the imposition of martial law was from “the sense of urgency I had as the chief executive in the government.” He added, “I am sorry for the uneasiness and inconvenience engendered by the martial law process. I apologize to the people, who were very much surprised.”
Yoon also said it’s up to the ruling party to decide how to stabilize the political situation, including if he will stay on.
Ruling People Power Party lawmakers have been discussing the issue at a plenary meeting that started on Friday. They are meeting on Saturday to finalize their stance ahead of the impeachment vote at 5 p.m.
South Korea’s opposition parties want Yoon stripped of the presidency. The largest, the Democratic Party, and five others submitted the motion to have him impeached.
The measure will pass if at least two-thirds of the National Assembly approve. But that would need to include at least eight lawmakers from the ruling PPP.
One official said there were no arguments against voting the motion down, while suggesting further talks would be necessary.
The official also revealed that some lawmakers have discussed their views with Yoon in person. The embattled leader reportedly told them he had listened to their opinions and would consider his next move.
