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President Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday, saying it was to save the country from dark forces and the threat of North Korea (file image)
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized for declaring martial law earlier this week and said there would be no other such order.
The embattled leader faces impeachment following Tuesday night's statement, which was quickly rescinded by the National Assembly.
In response to the president's speech, the leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) told reporters that it had become impossible for Yoon to continue his normal duties.
“His early resignation is inevitable,” Han Dong-hoon said.
“I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologize to the people who were shocked,” Yoon said in his brief televised speech.
It had been assumed that he would take advantage of his address to the nation – his first since the declaration of martial law – to resign, but he did not do so, saying he would delegate the work of stabilizing the situation to his ruling party.
He also didn't mention impeachment.
The opposition is pushing for the motion to impeach Yoon to be voted on on Saturday. At least eight members of Yoon's party need to vote in favor for the motion to pass with a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament.
Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung expressed disappointment with President Yoon's comments on Friday and said they would only increase the public's sense of anger and betrayal.
Lee added that he would do his best to remove the president from office.
South Korea was plunged into political turmoil on Tuesday evening when Yoon declared martial law.
He cited threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, it soon became clear that his decision had not been motivated by external threats but by his own domestic political problems.
Some lawmakers jumped over barricades and fences to bypass security forces to meet in Parliament and overturn Yoon's decree.
Yoon rescinded the declaration six hours later after lawmakers rejected it, but there were fears he might try to issue a second decree. Some lawmakers stayed close to the National Assembly to ensure they were ready to overturn it.
Before his attempt to place the country under military rule, Yoon faced low popularity, corruption allegations and an opposition-led legislature that reduced him to a lame-duck leader.
