Official reports from South Korean or international intelligence agencies

South Korea's President Yoon Defends Martial Law, Vows to Fight Impeachment

Dec 12, 2024, 01:45 AM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has defended his decision to declare martial law last week, characterizing it as a legal move to protect the country's democracy from what he described as the opposition's 'parliamentary dictatorship.' In a televised address, Yoon lashed out at his political opponents, calling them 'anti-state forces' and accusing them of trying to paralyze his administration. He also claimed that North Korea had hacked the country's elections. Yoon's comments come as the opposition is pushing for his impeachment, with the president vowing to 'fight to the end' against these efforts. Despite the short-lived nature of the martial law decree, Yoon has refused to resign, and his party chief has indicated support for the impeachment process.