South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has apologised for his brief imposition of martial law earlier this week. In a televised address, Yoon bowed to the nation, expressing regret and pledging to face all legal consequences. He described the decision as a desperate act and promised not to evade accountability.

Political Fallout Ahead of Impeachment Vote

Yoon assured the public there would be no further martial law orders, seeking to calm fears tied to the country’s history of military rule. He directed his People’s Power Party (PPP) to prioritise stabilising the political situation, including decisions about his presidency.

An impeachment vote is set for 17:00 local time (09:00 CET). Opposition parties hold 192 of the 300 National Assembly seats, needing eight more votes for a two-thirds majority.

Yoon’s martial law order, justified by claims of “anti-state forces” and accusations against the liberal Democratic Party of North Korea sympathies, lasted only six hours before lawmakers overturned it. Opposition leaders labelled his actions unconstitutional and akin to a coup. Even members of his party criticised him, with some calling him a “great danger” to citizens.