South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized for declaring martial law in a nationally televised address, expressing regret and apologizing to the citizens for causing anxiety and inconvenience. Yoon stated that he would not declare martial law again and that his political party would determine how state affairs would be managed. Opposition leaders urged Yoon to step down, with an impeachment vote scheduled after they began proceedings against him. Yoon’s own party shifted to supporting the impeachment motion, increasing its likelihood of success. The public, along with opposition lawmakers, are pushing for Yoon’s removal from office. Investigations into insurrection and treason claims against Yoon and other government officials are ongoing. Yoon accused the opposition parliament of paralyzing the government, leading to his martial law declaration. The U.S. reaffirmed its alliance with South Korea amid the political turmoil caused by Yoon’s actions, emphasizing the relationship’s importance as a security counterbalance in the region. Yoon has not made any public appearances since lifting the martial law order and has accepted resignations from multiple officials involved in the crisis. If impeached, Yoon would be suspended from office pending a Constitutional Court decision, with the Prime Minister serving as acting president. The opposition aims for a bipartisan impeachment process to increase its chances of success.
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