South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed on Thursday to fight "until the very last minute" in defense of his controversial decision to declare martial law and deploy troops to the nation's parliament last week. Speaking in a defiant televised address, Yoon apologized for the shock decision that had left the public anxious but stood firm in his stance, emphasizing his resolve to "fight with the people."
The martial law declaration, which occurred during a period of intense political unrest on December 3-4, has sparked widespread protests and drawn the attention of both domestic and international observers. As part of an ongoing investigation into the events, Yoon has been barred from foreign travel. The South Korean president is now facing an impeachment vote in parliament scheduled for Saturday.
To succeed in the impeachment vote, Yoon will need support from at least eight members of his own ruling People Power Party (PPP) to secure a two-thirds majority. PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has urged party members to vote in accordance with their "conviction and conscience."
Meanwhile, escalating investigations have led to more raids on key military and government sites. Police attempted another raid on Yoon’s presidential office compound Thursday, following a blocked attempt the day before. Investigations are focused on members of Yoon’s inner circle, including former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is accused of urging the president to impose martial law and was arrested earlier this week after an apparent suicide attempt.
Protests have rocked South Korea’s capital as thousands gather daily, demanding Yoon's resignation. Members of his inner circle have faced intense scrutiny, and two senior police officials have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Despite the growing political crisis, Yoon remained defiant in his address, accusing the opposition of pushing the nation into a "national crisis." He described the National Assembly, controlled by the opposition, as a "monster" threatening South Korea's constitutional order. Nonetheless, Yoon reiterated his willingness to accept legal and political responsibility for the martial law declaration, which he claimed was necessary to protect the country from external threats, particularly from North Korea.