South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol avoids impeachment after attempting to declare martial law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment vote in parliament after his controversial attempt to declare martial law earlier this week. Yoon has been under mounting pressure to resign following the failed martial law bid, which triggered widespread backlash. The declaration was overturned by a majority vote in the National Assembly, including 18 members of Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party (PPP).

However, by Saturday evening, PPP lawmakers rallied to support the president, citing the need to prevent a return to progressive leadership as a priority over concerns about Yoon’s actions. After the vote, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon stated that the party would “continue to push for the president’s orderly resignation” to “minimize confusion.” Opposition lawmaker Kim Joon-hyung of the Rebuilding Korea Party argued that Yoon could not remain in office until the end of his term, adding, “The sooner he resigns or is impeached, the better for our country.”

Opposition lawmakers have already submitted another impeachment motion for Wednesday, December 11, the next available voting date. In his first public remarks since the failed martial law attempt plunged the nation into political turmoil, Yoon apologized to the country on Saturday. “This emergency martial law declaration stemmed from my desperation as the ultimate responsible party for state affairs,” Yoon said in a brief two-minute address.

“I deeply regret and sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been greatly shocked,” he added, acknowledging the anxiety and inconvenience caused. Yoon pledged to face the legal and political consequences of his actions, stating he would not avoid responsibility for the martial law declaration.