South Korea's Yoon Defends Martial Law as Ruling Party Backs Impeachment

Dec 12, 2024, 03:20 AM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his short-lived martial law declaration as a legal act to protect democracy and vowed to stay in office despite mounting impeachment efforts. In a televised address on Thursday, Yoon criticized the opposition, labeling them as 'anti-state forces' and accusing them of 'performing a knife dance' and siding with North Korea to paralyze national politics. He denied rebellion charges and showed no intention to resign, stating he would 'fight with the people until the very last minute.' The main opposition Democratic Party and members of Yoon's own ruling party, including party chief Han Dong-hoon, are pushing for his impeachment over the martial law order imposed last week. Yoon justified the martial law as necessary to counter threats from North Korea, claiming that Pyongyang had hacked South Korea's elections. The National Assembly is expected to vote on the impeachment motion, with support from both opposition and ruling party lawmakers increasing the likelihood of its passage. Meanwhile, police attempts to search the president's office were unsuccessful as they were unable to enter the main building. Additionally, the ex-Defense Minister attempted suicide while detained over alleged involvement in the martial law order. North Korea criticized Yoon's actions, calling the martial law declaration an 'insane act' and a 'fascist dictatorship.' The South Korean National Archives have begun reviewing records related to the emergency martial law.