South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologizes for martial law declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized for declaring martial law earlier this week and said there would be no such order.

The embattled leader is facing a possible impeachment case following Tuesday night’s announcement, which was quickly overturned by the National Assembly.

Responding to the president’s speech, the leader of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) told the media that it is difficult for Yoon to continue his normal work.

“His early resignation is inevitable,” Han Dong-hoon said.

“I am very sorry and I would like to sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked,” Yoon said in a brief televised speech.

“Regarding the declaration of martial law, I will not avoid any legal or political responsibility.”

There were speculations that he would use his state of the nation speech – his first since declaring martial law – to resign, but he did not do so, instead saying he would hand over the task of stabilizing the situation to his ruling party.

He also did not mention the impeachment.

The opposition parties want a vote on the motion to censure Yoon on Saturday. At least eight members of Yoon’s party need to vote for the proposal to pass with a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament.

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said he was disappointed by President Yoon’s comments on Friday and said it would increase anger and betrayal in the public.

Lee added that he will do everything possible to remove the president from office.

“The biggest danger facing South Korea right now is the presence of the president.”

It is not only politicians who are outraged by Yoon’s actions.

Yang Soonsil, 50, owns a seafood stall in Namdaemun Market in the South Korean capital, Seoul. He told the BBC he felt fear and disbelief when martial law was declared.

“I have completely lost trust in him [Yoon] as president, I don’t think he is my president anymore,” he said.

“We must fight until the end, we will not allow him to keep his position as president.”

In the same market was shopper Han Jungmo, who said Yoon’s apology was not enough.

“He must step down of his own accord or be fired if he doesn’t want to,” he said, adding that the president has broken the trust of the people.

“If he continues to insist on becoming president, it would be a very unpromising situation because I believe that for this president, this martial law is not the only mistake he has made.”

South Korea was plunged into political chaos on Tuesday night when Yoon made a shocking declaration of martial law.

He cited threats from “anti-government forces” and North Korea. However, it soon became clear that his move was not due to external threats but to his domestic political problems.

Some lawmakers jumped over barricades and fences to get past the military to rally in parliament and reject Yoon’s announcement.

Yoon reversed the announcement six hours after MPs voted it down but there were concerns that he would try to issue a second ruling. Some lawmakers have been staying close to the National Assembly to make sure they are ready to repeal it.

Prior to his efforts to put the country under military rule, Yoon had been plagued by low popularity, allegations of corruption and an opposition-led legislature that made him a crippled leader.