President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized for declaring emergency martial law in a televised public address at the Yongsan presidential office in Seoul Saturday.
The public address at 10 a.m. came after Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law at around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night in a televised address and lifted it six hours later, responding to the National Assembly’s motion to withdraw it.
“This martial law was brought about out of desperation as president,” Yoon said. “In the process, I caused anxiety and inconveniences to the people. I am very sorry.”
Yoon also said he is not considering a second martial law declaration.
He added, “I won’t evade any legal or political responsibility over my actions.”
He said he will leave all the political matters to his party, the People Power Party (PPP) in the rest of the duration of his office.
“The party and the government will take responsibility for everything else to come,” Yoon said.
“I sincerely apologize once more for concerning the people,” Yoon said, as he bowed his head.
BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]
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