South Korean President blames opposition for 'martial law' declaration! Announces what he will do if removed from office

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has addressed the public on television for the second time since declaring martial law.

Yoon argued that the declaration of martial law was an "administrative action," and therefore could not be considered an attempted insurrection or be subject to investigation.

Stating that he used his authority as president to declare martial law in order to protect the country and normalize state affairs despite the opposition paralyzing the government, Yoon said, "This is a highly calculated political judgment."

President Yoon stated that he would resist if he were to be impeached and tried due to the martial law declaration, adding, "I will fight to the end to prevent forces and criminal groups that paralyze the country's government and disrupt the state's constitutional order from threatening the future of the Republic of Korea."

WHAT HAPPENED?

In a speech on television on the night of December 3, Yoon had declared martial law on the grounds that "the opposition was involved in anti-state activities," but he took a step back after the parliament voted to lift the decision and it was approved by the Cabinet.

Yoon had accused the opposition of "preventing the government from performing its functions," arguing that martial law was "aimed at eliminating pro-North Korean forces and protecting the constitutional order of freedom."

Following the declaration of martial law, the Ministry of Defense had instructed commanders in the military to hold a meeting and called for them to be on alert. Meanwhile, it was reported that soldiers assigned as "martial law troops" had entered the National Assembly.

In an emergency session held at the National Assembly, a motion to lift the martial law decision was accepted with the votes of 190 lawmakers. The National Assembly Speaker's Office announced that martial law had become "null and void" following the vote.

Upon this, Yoon convened the Cabinet and announced that he had ended martial law with the approval of the cabinet.

In the investigation conducted by the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office on suspicion of "treason," "attempted armed insurrection," and "abuse of power," Yoon was identified as a "suspect," and a travel ban was imposed on him.

The South Korean National Assembly passed a resolution on December 10 calling for the "immediate detention" of 8 people, including President Yoon, due to the declaration of martial law.

News Source: AA