Official statement from the South Korean government or major news outlets

South Korea's Yoon Vows to 'Fight to the End' as Impeachment Nears Over Martial Law Order

Dec 12, 2024, 04:21 AM

On December 12, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol defended his recent declaration of martial law in a televised address, stating he would 'fight to the end' and refusing to resign amid mounting impeachment efforts. Yoon justified the short-lived martial law, imposed on December 3, as a necessary legal measure to 'protect democracy' against opposition parties he labeled as 'anti-state forces.' He accused the opposition of paralyzing national politics and alleged that North Korea has hacked the country's elections. The impeachment vote, scheduled for December 14, has gained momentum as members of Yoon's own People Power Party, including its new floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, have shown support for his removal. The National Assembly has approved motions to impeach Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon and National Police Chief Kim Chang-yong.