South Korea’s President Yoon Denies Rebellion Charges, Vows to ‘Fight to the End’ After Last Week's Martial Law; Ruling Party Leader Calls for Impeachment

Dec 12, 2024, 01:53 AM

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has defended his declaration of martial law last week, asserting it was a legal move to protect democracy amid accusations of election hacking by North Korea. Denying rebellion charges, Yoon labeled the opposition as 'anti-state forces' who 'paralyze state affairs', and vowed to 'fight to the end' while refusing to resign. He stated that he only discussed the martial law declaration with the defense minister. The ruling party leader, Han Dong-hoon, has called for Yoon's impeachment, highlighting deep divisions within the ruling party. Police investigations into the martial law declaration are ongoing, with authorities unable to enter the president's office, and military officials involved being suspended from duties. Additionally, the former defense minister attempted suicide while in custody over the martial law case.