President Yoon Expresses Regret and Gratitude at Impeachment Hearing

Synopsis

During the final hearing of his impeachment trial on February 25, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his regret and gratitude to the nation regarding his brief imposition of martial law. His legal team sought dismissal of the case, citing the opposition's actions as justification for his declaration.

Key Takeaways

President Yoon expressed regret and thankfulness to the public.
His martial law declaration was deemed necessary by his legal team.
Thousands of supporters rallied for Yoon outside the Constitutional Court.
The National Assembly's impeachment motion cites constitutional violations.
Yoon argues his decision was a governance measure.

Seoul, Feb 25 (NationPress) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his remorse and gratitude to the public during the concluding session of his impeachment trial regarding his brief enforcement of martial law.

"I want to start by saying that I am sorry and thankful to the people," he stated at the Constitutional Court, reflecting on the events following his unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3.

"While feeling thankful, the fact that I was unable to fulfill my duties within the time allocated by the citizens weighs heavily on my heart," he added.

The president's legal representatives urged for the dismissal of the impeachment during the closing arguments at the Constitutional Court, asserting that the unilateral actions of the opposition necessitated his brief declaration of martial law.

Yoon was not present in the courtroom as his legal team articulated reasons for the court to overturn the National Assembly's impeachment due to his unexpected martial law declaration on December 3.

Earlier, thousands of the impeached President's supporters rallied around the Constitutional Court during the final impeachment hearing, demanding the annulment of the impeachment.

At approximately 10 a.m., around 3,800 police officers were deployed near the main entrance of the court as well as Anguk Station. Additionally, approximately 190 police buses were stationed to obstruct the view of the court from the sidewalk.

The impeachment motion initiated by the National Assembly charges Yoon with breaching the Constitution and laws through his martial law declaration without a national emergency and by failing to adhere to necessary procedures, such as conducting a Cabinet meeting and informing parliament.

Yoon has maintained that his martial law declaration was a governance measure intended to signal the opposition party regarding its ongoing impeachments of officials and efforts to restrict the budget.