Seoul, Jan 28 (IANS) – Amid ongoing legal challenges, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has publicly defended his controversial decision to declare martial law in December 2023, following his indictment on charges of inciting an insurrection. In a meeting with his legal representatives on Tuesday, Yoon expressed bewilderment over the charges, questioning how his actions, which he asserts were within constitutional boundaries, could be seen as an attempt to overthrow the government.
Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon’s attorneys, relayed that the president insisted that the martial law declaration, made on December 3, was a necessary measure in response to the political crisis caused by the Democratic Party’s (DP) takeover of the National Assembly. Yoon’s legal team also highlighted that, once the National Assembly voted down the declaration, the president lifted the martial law immediately, reinforcing his claim that the action was not intended as a prolonged emergency.
Yoon faces accusations of conspiring with former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and other officials to trigger an insurrection by declaring an unconstitutional state of emergency. Critics argue that there was no immediate national crisis, such as war or armed conflict, justifying such a drastic step. Furthermore, allegations suggest that Yoon attempted to send military forces to the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from rejecting the martial law order, while also planning the detention of political opponents.
Despite these accusations, Yoon maintained that his actions did not constitute an insurrection, emphasizing the absence of bloodshed or arrests of politicians. According to Seok, the president also remarked that he never intended for martial law to last long, as he had not prepared the necessary infrastructure to govern under such conditions. He was confident that the National Assembly would soon dismiss the order.
During the meeting, Yoon shared his concerns about the future of South Korea, particularly the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in a difficult economic environment. He expressed worry for young people, fearing they may become disillusioned with their prospects in life. Yoon also voiced concern for the health of his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who has been experiencing health issues. Since his detention on January 15, he has not been able to see her.
The opposition Democratic Party (DP) swiftly condemned Yoon’s actions. Senior spokesperson Cho Seung-rae accused Yoon of destabilizing the nation and damaging the economy, saying his remarks about national concerns were hypocritical. Cho further criticized the president for attempting to gain sympathy by highlighting his wife’s health problems, stating that the public’s focus would remain on the couple’s alleged corruption scandals.
Yoon’s ongoing legal troubles have placed the South Korean presidency under intense scrutiny, as the nation grapples with the political and economic fallout of his actions. The outcome of the legal proceedings will have significant implications for both Yoon’s presidency and the future direction of South Korea’s political landscape.
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