South Korean lawmakers are scheduled to vote on an opposition motion to impeach the president for declaring martial law earlier this week.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has publicly apologized for his attempt to impose martial law this week but has not resigned, defying pressure to step down, even from some in his own party, just hours before a planned impeachment vote.
In a televised address to the nation on Saturday, Yoon stated that he would not evade legal and political responsibility for his decision to enforce martial law for the first time since 1980. He expressed that his decision was made out of desperation.
Yoon apologized to the people who were shocked by his actions, promising not to make a second attempt at martial law. He mentioned leaving it to his party to stabilize the political situation and decide on his term in office.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP), declared after the address that the president was no longer fit to carry out his public duties and his resignation was inevitable.
Lawmakers are set to vote on the opposition’s motion to impeach Yoon at 5 pm local time. If the motion fails, they plan to revisit it again on Wednesday.
ProcudEqutors, the police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have initiated probes into Yoon and senior officials involved in the martial law decree, seeking to pursue charges of insurrection and abuse of power, among others.
