South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol has said he is "sincerely sorry" over causing public concerns for declaring martial law earlier this week, while pledging not to make another such attempt again, according to the Yonhap news agency
"I am sincerely sorry and apologise to the people who must have been very surprised," he said in a televised public address today, hours ahead of a Parliamentary vote on an impeachment motion against him.
Yoon made the remark in his first public appearance after he declared martial law on Tuesday (December 3) night and rescinded it six hours later after the National Assembly voted against it.
He said he imposed martial law due to "desperation" as president but acknowledged the abrupt decision caused "concerns and inconvenience" to the people.
"I will not avoid legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration," Yoon said, vowing to leave all decisions, including his term, to his People Power Party in order to stabilise the nation.
He was elected in May 2022 to a single, five-year term.
— Bernama
