South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is under intense scrutiny after declaring martial law last week, a move he defended as essential to preserving the nation’s democracy.
In a surprise televised address on Thursday, Yoon argued that martial law was a legal and necessary response to counter what he described as the opposition’s “parliamentary dictatorship.” He claimed the measure was aimed at preventing the collapse of democracy and safeguarding public order.
“I will not step down ahead of a second impeachment vote,” Yoon asserted. “Whether I am impeached or investigated, I will stand firm and fight to the end.”
Yoon and his allies are under investigation for insurrection, with several top officials barred from leaving the country. Despite accusations from political opponents, Yoon denied any wrongdoing, dismissing allegations of insurrection as “false incitement” designed to destabilize his presidency.
The declaration of martial law, which Yoon later withdrew after lawmakers rejected it, has sparked widespread political unrest. Protests erupted outside the National Assembly, where demonstrators clashed with security forces, and opposition lawmakers quickly moved to block the measure. Yoon has accused North Korea sympathizers of exploiting the crisis to undermine his government.
Last weekend, an opposition-led impeachment attempt failed due to a boycott by members of Yoon’s ruling party. However, opposition lawmakers remain resolute, planning another vote this Saturday and vowing to repeat the process weekly until Yoon is removed from office.
Yoon’s party, facing internal division, had urged him to step down voluntarily. Party leader Han Dong-hoon appeared on television just before Yoon’s address, calling on party members to support the impeachment effort if Yoon refuses to resign.
If the impeachment bill passes, the matter will move to South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which requires a two-thirds majority to permanently remove the president.
Yoon has faced growing challenges since the opposition’s landslide victory in April’s general election left his administration weakened, unable to pass key legislation, and reliant on vetoing opposition bills. The political turmoil has been further exacerbated by mass protests and strikes demanding his impeachment, as well as investigations into charges of insurrection and treason.
In a tragic development, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned following the martial law declaration, attempted suicide while in detention on Wednesday. Authorities report that he is in stable condition.
As South Korea remains in a state of heightened tension, Yoon reiterated his commitment to protecting the nation’s democratic values while acknowledging he must face the “legal and political consequences” of his actions.
