Yoon: "Declaring Martial Law is an Act of Governance... Will Stand Firm Whether Impeached or Investigated"

Morning Emergency National Address States Position

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a national address at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Yoon Suk-yeol said on the 12th, "The exercise of the president's emergency martial law proclamation authority is a governing act that is not subject to judicial review, like the exercise of pardon power or diplomatic authority," adding, "Whether I am impeached or investigated, I will face it with confidence."

In an urgent national address that morning, President Yoon stated, "In a disastrous emergency situation that paralyzes the government, to protect the country and normalize state affairs, the emergency martial law measure exercised under the president's legal authority is a highly political judgment by the president and can only be controlled by the National Assembly's demand for its repeal."

He continued, "I have already stated that I will not evade legal or political responsibility related to this martial law proclamation."

President Yoon said, "Since my inauguration, I have never once been concerned with personal popularity, presidential term, or retaining my position," adding, "If I had only cared about retaining my position, I would not have fought against the forces disrupting the constitutional order, nor would I have ever proclaimed emergency martial law as I have this time."

He also said, "What else could be the reason the major opposition party is rushing impeachment with false agitation?" and added, "As the guilty verdict for the major opposition party leader approaches, the sole reason is to avoid it through the president's impeachment and hold an early presidential election."

Concluding his address, President Yoon said, "I will fight alongside the people until the very last moment," and added, "Please trust my sincere devotion to the people."