Dec 12, (V7N) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed on Thursday to "fight with the people until the very last minute" as he defended his controversial decision to declare martial law and deploy troops to parliament last week. The move, which he described as necessary to protect democracy, has sparked widespread shock and condemnation domestically and among South Korea's allies.

In a televised address, Yoon apologized to the public, acknowledging their likely anxiety but urging trust in his intentions. “Please trust me in my warm loyalty to the people,” he stated.

The martial law declaration, which lasted briefly from December 3-4, has triggered an insurrection probe into Yoon’s inner circle. Yoon is currently banned from foreign travel as part of the investigation. On Wednesday, police attempted to raid the president’s office to investigate the events but were blocked by security guards, leading the opposition Democratic Party to threaten legal action against Yoon’s staff for alleged obstruction.

Yoon reiterated his commitment to accountability, saying, “I will not avoid legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law.” However, he accused the opposition, which holds a parliamentary majority, of pushing the country into a "national crisis." He labeled the National Assembly a “monster” undermining the constitutional order of liberal democracy.

The fallout from these dramatic events has heightened political tensions and raised questions about the balance of power in South Korea's government.

END/WD/RH/