South Korean president vows to 'fight to the end' in defiant speech

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Thursday to “fight to the end” as he faces calls to step down over his failed attempt to impose martial law.

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed Thursday to “fight to the end” as he faces calls to step down over his failed attempt to impose martial law, defending his actions and lashing out at his political opponents in a defiant speech.

In a lengthy national address, Yoon accused “anti-state forces” in the opposition-controlled parliament of paralyzing the government and undermining the rule of law. He largely repeated comments he made last week when he announced the surprise martial law order, saying it was necessary to protect democracy.

“The opposition parties are currently going berserk, claiming that the declaration of martial law equates to insurrection,” Yoon said. “Is what they claim true?”

Yoon apologized again “for causing surprise and anxiety” with his martial law declaration, and said that “whether they impeach me or investigate me, I will stand firm.” 

Lawmakers are voting Saturday on a second motion to impeach Yoon, after the first one failed when members of his conservative People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. The party’s leader appeared to reverse his stance after Yoon’s address on Thursday and said that the president must be impeached, although the party remains divided.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/south-korean-president-vows-fight-end-martial-law-rcna183904

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