South Korea's President bows to nation in apology

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued an apology on Saturday for his recent attempt to impose martial law and expressed remorse during a televised national address, bowing in contrition just hours before an anticipated impeachment vote.

President Yoon stated that he would not evade legal or political accountability for his actions, which he described as stemming from desperation. This marked his first public appearance since rescinding the martial law order early on Wednesday, merely six hours after its declaration.

The reversal came after parliament bypassed military and police barricades to vote against the decree.

"I deeply apologise to the citizens who were alarmed," Yoon said. "I entrust my party with the responsibility to stabilise the political landscape in the future, including deliberations on my tenure in office."

Following Yoon's address, ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon declared that the president was no longer capable of fulfilling his duties and that his resignation was now inevitable.

On Friday, Han had criticised Yoon as a danger to the nation, urging his removal from office. However, members of Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) later reiterated their official opposition to impeachment.

Later on Saturday, lawmakers were expected to vote on the Democratic Party's motion to impeach Yoon. The president caused widespread outrage on Tuesday by granting the military extensive emergency powers to counter what he labelled "anti-state forces" and obstructive political opponents.

Some PPP members have since called for Yoon to step down voluntarily, hoping to avoid a repetition of the 2016 impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye.

Park’s removal followed mass protests over an influence-peddling scandal, leading to the collapse of the ruling party and a decisive victory for liberals in subsequent elections.

On Friday night, thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament with candles, demanding Yoon's impeachment. Similar demonstrations were expected on Saturday ahead of the parliamentary vote.

Meanwhile, prosecutors, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have initiated investigations into Yoon and other senior figures involved in the martial law decree. Potential charges under consideration include insurrection and abuse of power.