South Korean President Yoon, in a televised address, apologized for declaring martial law and promised not to do so again. The country’s parliament is set to vote on his impeachment in a few hours.
Yoon explained his previous action as “out of desperation” and stated he is leaving his future to his party. Despite his apology, party leader Han Dong-hoon reiterated his call for Yoon to step down, citing intelligence suggesting Yoon planned arrests of top politicians during the martial law period, a claim the presidential office denies.
The impeachment vote requires 200 out of 300 members to pass. Opposition parties hold 192 seats, so Yoon could remain with his party’s support, though Han appears opposed.
Opposition leader Park criticized Yoon’s speech as “disappointing” and vowed to continue efforts to remove him. Yoon’s popularity has plummeted, with only 13 percent supporting him in recent polls.
Protesters in Seoul demand his resignation, and party members are reportedly being pressured to vote for his removal.
Source: NOS