South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed to “fight to the end” despite opposition’s push to impeach him and his own party’s demand that he resign over his short-lived decision to place the country under military rule. In a surprise shift from remorse to defiance, Mr. Yoon lashed out at those who sought to oust him, accusing them of using “anti-state” opposition parties to paralyze the nation.
Mr. Yoon’s bold speech reflected his belief that he might have a fighting chance defending himself against impeachment in the country’s Constitutional Court. Analysts say his speech was also a battle cry aimed at his base of die-hard right-wing supporters. The president’s refusal to go quietly may further deepen the country’s political polarization.
Protesters gathered near the National Assembly last Saturday, calling for his removal, while smaller rallies took place in downtown Seoul, vowing to protect Mr. Yoon. The opposition plans to try to impeach him again on Saturday. In a parliamentary hearing, military officers testified that Mr. Yoon had ordered them to break down the doors of the National Assembly building, forcing lawmakers to vote against his martial law declaration.
The president’s claim contradicts testimony given by military officers, who said they were instructed to drag out lawmakers inside the building to prevent them from voting against the decree. Despite criticism from some governing party lawmakers, many have been reluctant to impeach their own president, wary of backlash among supporters. The opposition says Mr. Yoon sent troops to the National Assembly after declaring martial law to stop lawmakers from reversing the decree, which is empowered by the Constitution.
The investigation into Mr. Yoon’s actions continues, with prosecutors and police investigating whether he committed insurrection – a crime carrying death penalty or life imprisonment for those deemed ringleaders. He has been barred from leaving the country while the investigation continues.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/11/world/asia/yoon-south-korea-martial-law.html