SEOUL, December 7. /TASS/. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has made a televised address to the nation, apologizing for declaring martial law earlier in the week.
"Accept my deepest apologies for what I did," he said, bowing low.
Yoon also promised that he would take responsibility for his actions and would not try to avoid potential punishment.
The country’s parliament is expected to vote on an impeachment motion against Yoon at 5:00 p.m. local time (8:00 a.m. GMT) on December 7. Impeaching the president would require support from 200 of the National Assembly’s 300 members.
On December 3, Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law, citing the need to combat "pro-North Korean elements" and attempts by the opposition to obstruct the executive branch’s power. However, martial law was lifted in about six hours. On December 4, the opposition initiated impeachment proceedings, saying that Yoon had violated the country’s constitution because there was no reason to declare martial law.