Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a heartfelt apology to the nation on Tuesday over his controversial bid to impose martial law. In his final statement to the Constitutional Court, Yoon denied accusations of insurrection and defended his actions.
“The opposition party claims that I declared martial law to establish a dictatorship and extend my rule. This is a fabricated scheme to frame me for insurrection,” Yoon told the court in Seoul.
The impeachment hearing, which could formally remove Yoon from office, centers around his short-lived imposition of martial law. His legal team argued for the dismissal of the impeachment, asserting that the opposition party’s unilateral actions necessitated his decision.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s legal team demanded Yoon’s removal from office, emphasizing the severity of his actions. The opposition accuses him of overstepping his authority and undermining the country’s democratic principles.
Yoon’s apology comes at a critical time for South Korea, as the nation grapples with political turmoil. Many citizens are closely watching the proceedings, hopeful for a resolution that upholds democratic values.
The Constitutional Court’s decision will be pivotal in determining the future of South Korea’s leadership and the preservation of its democratic institutions.
