The President of South Korea has apologized for the state of emergency, but there’s a catch.

The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, apologized for his attempt to impose martial law in the country this week. He did not resign, however, despite significant pressure from some members of his ruling party.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Reuters.

The head of state stated that he would not try to evade legal and political responsibility for his decision to declare martial law for the first time in South Korea since 1980. He mentioned that his desperation led him to this decision.

"I deeply regret and sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked. I leave it to my party to decide on measures to stabilize the political situation in the future, including the question of my position," Yoon said in a televised address to the nation, during which he bowed.

Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon's ruling People Power Party, stated after the speech that the president is no longer capable of fulfilling his duties and that his resignation is now inevitable.

Some members of the People Power Party urged Yoon to resign before the vote. They expressed their desire to avoid a repeat of the 2016 impeachment, when President Park Geun-hye left office after months of candlelight protests over a corruption scandal. Her downfall led to the party's collapse and a liberal victory in presidential and general elections.

In scenes reminiscent of those protests, thousands of demonstrators with candles gathered near the parliament on Friday evening, demanding Yoon's impeachment. New rallies are expected to take place on Saturday before the vote.

The prosecution, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have launched an investigation into Yoon and officials involved in the martial law decree. They could face charges of rebellion and abuse of power.

Martial Law in the Republic of Korea

President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in the country on the evening of December 3. He accused the opposition Democratic Party of anti-state activities and ties to North Korea, while also attempting to overcome other obstructive political opponents.

This decision provoked a serious political crisis - dozens of officials resigned in protest. Mass demonstrations by dissatisfied citizens began near the parliament in Seoul.

On December 4, the parliament and government of the Republic of Korea adopted resolutions calling for the immediate repeal of the martial law regime.

Six hours after the declaration of martial law, Yoon revoked this special regime.

On Friday, the leader of the ruling People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon stated that President Yoon poses a danger to the country and must be removed from office. This statement was made despite the fact that members of the political force officially opposed the impeachment of the head of state.

Later on Saturday, December 7, the parliament of the Republic of Korea will consider the impeachment of the president.