South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol has apologized to citizens for his decision to declare martial law but has refused to resign despite intense political pressure, including from members of his own ruling party. Reuters Reported
Yoon Seok-yeol said his decision to impose martial law was driven by desperation over the threat posed by “North Korean communist forces” and the “need to fight against anti-state elements.” This was the first time martial law had been declared in the country since 1980. However, the decree was revoked six hours after it was announced when parliament voted against the decision.
While acknowledging that he will not avoid accountability for his actions, the president left it up to his party to decide how long he would serve. “There will be no second attempt to impose martial law,” he said in a nationally televised apology to the populace.
According to Reuters, these events plunged South Korea into one of the deepest political crises in recent decades, endangering its reputation as a democratic state. Yoon now faces numerous challenges, from internal political scandals and splits in the ruling party to criticism from international partners, including the United States.
Both inside and outside of South Korea, the decision to impose martial law was shocking. Representatives of the US administration, who previously considered Yoon a defender of democracy in the region, openly expressed their concern about his actions.
The Constitutional Court will review Yoon’s case if impeachment is declared. At least six votes out of nine justices are needed to confirm impeachment, but the court currently has only six members, creating legal uncertainty.
Similar cases have already occurred in South Korea, where the Constitutional Court removed then-President Park Geun-hye from office in 2017 after a three-month trial.
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