South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized for declaring martial law but refused to resign despite facing an imminent impeachment vote due to the chaos caused by his decision. Yoon expressed regret for alarming the public and causing inconvenience, pledging not to declare martial law again. However, the leader of his governing party urged him to step down, and opposition lawmakers and the public are calling for his removal.
The impeachment vote has been scheduled after opposition parties initiated proceedings against Yoon, with the potential for success increasing due to a recent shift in the position of his own party, the People Power Party. The turmoil resulting from Yoon’s declaration of martial law has led to resignations among government officials and sparked investigations into claims of insurrection and treason.
Yoon accused the opposition-controlled parliament of paralyzing the government, leading to his drastic decision. The martial law proclamation imposed restrictions on political activities, demonstrations, and the news media, as well as mandating the return to work of striking doctors. The possibility of bipartisan support for the impeachment motion, alongside the pressure on the Constitutional Court to uphold it, indicates a challenging path ahead for Yoon’s presidency. The U.S., a key ally of South Korea, reiterated its enduring alliance despite the political crisis.
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