South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday vowed to “fight until the very last minute” as he defended his unexpected decision last week to declare martial law and deploy troops to the country’s parliament. In a televised address, President Yoon apologized to citizens who were “surprised and anxious” by the sudden imposition of martial law. “I will fight with the people until the very last minute,” he said. “Please trust me in my warm loyalty to the people.” The president is currently banned from foreign travel amid an “insurrection” probe into his inner circle regarding the dramatic events of December 3-4, which have unsettled South Korea’s allies. Authorities are investigating the brief period during which martial law was enforced. On Wednesday, police attempted to raid President Yoon’s office as part of the investigation but were blocked by security personnel. The main opposition Democratic Party warned that it would file legal complaints for insurrection against the presidential staff and security if law enforcement continued to be obstructed. Despite the mounting pressure, President Yoon declared that he would “not avoid legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law.” He accused the opposition of pushing the nation into a “national crisis,” stating, “The National Assembly, dominated by the large opposition party, has become a monster that destroys the constitutional order of liberal democracy.” The sudden declaration of martial law has sparked widespread debate and concern over the state of democracy in South Korea. Observers are closely monitoring the unfolding events as investigations proceed and political tensions escalate.
Reference(s):
South Korean President Yoon vows to fight 'until the very last minute'
cgtn.com
