South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday defended his December 3 martial law order, stating that it was a presidential decision aimed at “protecting the country’s constitutional order from the opposition’s parliamentary dictatorship.” As he faces a second impeachment vote over the controversial move, Yoon asserted that his action was legal and not an attempt to undermine the constitution.
In a televised address, Yoon emphasized, “It is an act of government administration and not subject to judicial review.” His declaration of martial law had been short-lived but drew widespread calls for his resignation.
Yoon is currently the subject of a criminal investigation into allegations of insurrection and is barred from leaving the country. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a close confidant of Yoon, has been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
“I’ll face impeachment, investigations, or whatever comes,” Yoon stated defiantly.
The second impeachment vote, expected on Saturday, appears less likely to favor Yoon. The leader of his own party indicated that Yoon had shown no signs of resigning and must be impeached. More members of the ruling party have signaled their intention to participate in the vote, contrasting with last week’s failed impeachment attempt, which most party members boycotted.
“I will fight to the end,” Yoon declared at the conclusion of his speech.
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South Korea's Yoon defends martial law as 2nd impeachment vote looms
cgtn.com
