Embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his shock decision to declare martial law last week, saying he did so to protect the country's democracy.
In a surprise televised speech on Thursday, he said the attempt was a legal move aimed at “preventing the collapse” of democracy.
And despite growing calls for his resignation or impeachment, Yoon has suggested he will not resign.
“I will stand firm whether I am indicted or investigated,” he said. “I will fight to the end.”
The president and his allies are currently facing insurrection charges, and several of them have been slapped with travel bans.
But Yoon denied his martial law order was an act of insurrection, saying his political rivals were now creating a “false incentive” to bring him down.
However, he added that he would not shirk his “legal and political responsibilities”.
Last weekend, an attempt by opposition MPs to impeach the president failed, after members of his own ruling party boycotted the vote – but opposition members are expected to hold another impeachment vote this weekend and have committed to holding one every Saturday until Yoon leaves.
