South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on Saturday for declaring martial law in the country for the first time since 1980, which sparked outrage from citizens and lawmakers alike.
“I am very sorry and sincerely apologize to the people who may have been surprised,” Yoon said in his public address. “I will not shirk the issue of legal and political responsibility in connection with the declaration of martial law.”
The National Assembly will decide whether or not to impeach the leader in a vote later Saturday local time. The parliament blocked the martial law declaration earlier this week.
Yoon noted the severity of his actions and growing disdain from fellow officials in his speech citing the “anxiety” invoked by a military order to rid the nation of “anti-state forces.”
He promised never to declare martial law again.
“My fellow citizens, there is talk that martial law will be invoked again, let me assure you. There will never be a second martial law,” Yoon stated in his first public appearance since revoking the order. “My fellow citizens, I will entrust the plan for stabilizing the political situation in the future, including my term, to our Party.”
Regardless, the move still sent shockwaves through Yoon’s People Power Party led by Han Dong-hoon.
Han argued that Yoon needed to be suspended from leadership stating he “could potentially put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger” according to reports from the Associated Press.
He and Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, said Yoon sought to imprison opposing politicians under the martial law order as reported by AP. Several key defense leaders have been suspended from their positions for acquiescing to Yoon’s demands.
Pending Saturday vote, some have called on Yoon to resign. Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside of parliament on Friday urging the leader to step down.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
