Protesters stage a rally to demand South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. The signs read "Punish". (AP)

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has issued a public apology for declaring martial law earlier this week, vowing not to impose it again as the country approaches a crucial impeachment vote, Yonhap news agency reported.

"I am sincerely sorry and apologize to the people who must have been very surprised. I will not avoid legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration," Yoon said in a televised address.

The President pledged to leave decisions about his leadership, including his potential resignation, to his ruling People Power Party (PPP) to ensure national stability, according to the report.

Why it matters

The National Assembly is scheduled to hold a plenary session on Saturday at 5 pm (8 am GMT) to vote on Yoon’s impeachment. He faces allegations of attempting to seize power and abusing his office by imposing martial law unlawfully.

On Tuesday, Yoon declared martial law, accusing the opposition of colluding with DPRK and plotting a "rebellion". However, parliament voted to invalidate the declaration, with Speaker Woo Won-shik’s office stating it was illegal. In response, Yoon lifted the martial law order.

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the PPP, acknowledged the political crisis on Saturday, stating that Yoon’s early resignation is inevitable. "An early resignation [of Yoon] is unavoidable," Han said, as quoted by Yonhap, adding that the President is no longer in a position to effectively govern.

It is worth noting that South Korea's ruling People Power Party leader, Han Dong-hoon, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo are convening an emergency meeting in response to President Yoon Suk-yeol's recent address, according to Yonhap news agency.

The big picture

The leader of South Korea's ruling party demanded on Friday that President Yoon Suk Yeol be removed from office, citing a "significant risk" of him attempting to impose martial law again.

Han Dong-hoon, head of the People Power Party, stated, "Considering the newly emerging facts, I believe that a swift suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol's duties is necessary to safeguard the Republic of Korea and its people." Han, who had previously opposed impeachment just a day earlier, expressed a shift in stance due to new revelations.

"If Yoon remains, there is a significant risk that extreme actions similar to the martial law declaration could be repeated, which could put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger," Han warned. He also revealed "credible evidence" suggesting that Yoon had ordered the arrest of "key politicians" and their detention in a holding facility.

Han criticized Yoon for failing to acknowledge the illegality of his martial law declaration, stating, "Yoon does not acknowledge that this illegal martial law is wrong" and has neglected to take action against the military officials who "illegally intervened".