On December 12 KST, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement from the Yongsan Presidential Office, defending his decision to declare martial law and rejecting calls for his resignation.
On this day, Yoon stated, "Whether it be impeachment or an investigation, I will face it all head on."
He continued, "I declared martial law as a legal power held by the president in order to return the administrative affairs of this country to normalcy and to defend this country from the danger of an administrative paralysis. It was a political decision made with much consideration by the president, and a decision that could only be lifted upon the request of the National Assembly."
According to Yoon, "The legal authority of the president to declare martial law is an act of state that transcends the boundaries of Constitutional review. Viewing an emergency act of state meant to rescue the nation as an act of treason is in itself a view that places this country's legal system in grave danger."
He added on, "Since being elected into office, I have never once dwelled on my popularity as president, on fulfilling my tenure, or on protecting my seat."
Yoon then claimed, "Why is the opposition party rushing my impeachment with false provocations? There is only one reason. The representative of the opposition party is on the brink of being found guilty of his crimes, and so his motive is to impeach the current president and run for office himself."
Finally, President Yoon stated, "I must prevent the criminal organization which incites administrative disorder and commits a breach of the Constitution from seizing power of the state and from threatening the future of the Republic of Korea at all costs. I will fight until the end."
Meanwhile, the latest address marks President Yoon's fourth address to the nation following his declaration of martial law on the evening of December 3 KST.
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