Yoon apologizes before impeachment vote

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized Saturday for declaring martial law earlier in the week, an action that has thrust the nation into political chaos.

Hours before the National Assembly was set to vote on his impeachment, Yoon delivered a brief televised address. “I sincerely apologize to the public,” he said. “I will not avoid legal and political responsibility for declaring martial law. I am leaving it to the ruling party to decide ways to stabilize the state affair going forward, including my term.”

The apology followed Tuesday’s declaration of martial law, which was swiftly annulled in a unanimous parliamentary vote. Yoon’s political survival now hinges on whether the opposition can sway at least eight lawmakers from his ruling People Power Party (PPP) to reach the two-thirds majority required to impeach him. If the motion passes, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will temporarily lead the nation during months of constitutional court proceedings.

Han Dong-hoon, PPP leader, suggested Yoon’s resignation was likely. After meeting with the prime minister, Han stated, “I told the prime minister that I hope he will take care of the livelihood, economy, and the state affairs more thoroughly and stably so that people will not be anxious.”

The president’s critics are unrelenting. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung accused Yoon of being the greatest threat to the nation. “The biggest risk to South Korea right now is the very existence of the president,” he said. “The only way to solve this is for the president to step down immediately or be removed from office early through impeachment.”

Political commentator Eom Kyeong-young noted the ruling party’s response could shape the vote. “If their proposal is persuasive enough, that would raise the chance of the motion failing,” he said. “The public, though, won’t accept anything but impeachment.”

Opposition lawmakers have also targeted First Lady Kim Keon Hee, accusing her of accepting bribes and undue influence. “The First Lady has brought disgrace to the presidency,” said Democratic Party lawmaker Park Hong-geun. While prosecutors cleared Kim of wrongdoing, opposition leaders are demanding an independent probe.

Yoon’s popularity has plummeted to 16%, fueling public anger. Outside the National Assembly, hundreds gathered in protests reminiscent of the 2016 candlelight vigils that ousted President Park Geun-hye. Many see parallels between Yoon’s current crisis and Park’s fall from grace, a scandal Yoon himself prosecuted as a former prosecutor.

“Yoon is basically saying he has no intent to step down,” said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University. “He is trying to buy time through suggesting means such as constitutional revision to shorten his term.”

The vote outcome, set for 5 p.m. local time, remains uncertain. If Yoon survives, his presidency will likely be marred by ongoing protests and infighting. If impeached, he will become the third South Korean president to face such proceedings, leaving the country’s political and economic stability in jeopardy.