South Korean President Yoon Defends Martial Law Decision Amid Political Turmoil

A handout photo released by the South Korean Presidential Office via Yonhap captured President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address at the Presidential Office in Seoul on December 12, 2024. The image highlights the charged atmosphere surrounding the president’s decision to invoke martial law.

In the televised broadcast on Thursday morning, President Yoon defended his recent decision to impose martial law and station military personnel at the nation’s parliament. He maintained that his actions were necessary to protect the state and ensure that government operations continued despite what he described as interference by the opposition through excessive impeachment measures.

During his address, President Yoon firmly rejected any insurrection charges and dismissed calls for his resignation, asserting that his decision was a legitimate exercise of presidential authority. He explained that the martial law declaration was a measured political judgment aimed at safeguarding the nation and normalizing state affairs, rather than an act subject to legal challenge.

In response, political leaders on the opposition side, including ruling party chief Han Dong-hoon, have urged lawmakers to pursue impeachment as the only means to suspend the president’s duties. This pressure follows a previous impeachment vote that failed due to the majority of People Power Party lawmakers boycotting the process, with new impeachment motions and discussions underway.

Adding to the unfolding political crisis, Army Chief of Staff General Park An-su, who was designated to command the martial law order, was suspended from duty, indicating a broader ripple effect throughout the nation’s leadership.