Yoon says he would not dodge responsibility, entrust everything to ruling party

President Yoon Suk Yeol bows to the public after apologizing to the nation in a televised address at the presidential office in Seoul, Saturday. Captured from KTV

President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized to the nation for the chaos arising from his martial law in a televised public address at the presidential office on Saturday, adding that he would not shirk political and legal responsibility.

In the address at 10 a.m., Yoon said the recent declaration of martial law stemmed from the urgency he felt as the president, who bears ultimate responsibility for national governance.

"However, the process caused anxiety and inconvenience to the public. I sincerely apologize to the citizens who must have been startled," Yoon said, adding, "I will not shirk legal and political responsibility regarding the declaration of martial law."

Emphasizing that there would never be a second martial law, he said he would entrust every state affairs, including his term in office, to the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

"I will entrust measures on how to stabilize the political situation, including my term in office, to our party. Moving forward, our party and the government will jointly take responsibility for state affairs. Once again, I bow my head in apology for causing concern to the public," he said, ending his statement with a bow to the public.

The address came seven hours before the National Assembly is set to vote on his impeachment motion.

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon speaks to reporters at the National Assembly in Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Right after Yoon's statement, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon reiterated his earlier stance that Yoon is in a situation where "normal performance of duties is impossible" and "early resignation is unavoidable."

"The president has expressed his intent to entrust measures for political stability, including the possibility of shortening his term, to the party. Given the circumstances, normal execution of presidential duties is no longer feasible, and early resignation is inevitable," Han said, adding that the party will seek the best path forward for Korea and its people.

Lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea walk in front of the Natioinal Assembly's main building in Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap

Rep. Jo Seoung-lae, the chief spokesperson for the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said the party cannot accept any alternative that allows the president to remain in office.

"We cannot tolerate a leader of insurrection continuing to serve as president," Jo said.

DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung also said Yoon's address was disappointing.

"The president is the biggest risk to the Republic of Korea," he said. "There's no other option than his early removal."