South Korean President denies rebellion allegations, vows to 'fight to the end'

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol vowed to fight to the last minute against the possibility of impeachment or investigation, while rejecting charges of rebellion related to the imposition of martial law.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks on television on December 12.

Yonhap news agency on December 12 quoted South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol as denying the accusation of rebellion and saying that his declaration of martial law was an executive action. He vowed to continue fighting until the last minute against the possibility of impeachment or investigation.

In a televised public address, President Yoon asserted that sending troops to the National Assembly during martial law could not be considered a rebellion, and rejected calls for his resignation.

The leader said he used his presidential powers when he declared martial law "to protect the nation and normalize state affairs" against the opposition that had paralyzed the government, calling it a "highly calculated political judgment".

"Whether I am impeached or investigated, I will face it fairly," he said.

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He accused the opposition of obstructing the government with impeachment efforts and necessary budget cuts planned for next year, saying they were "performing a crazy sword dance".

Following martial law, the South Korean National Assembly passed next year's budget worth 673.3 trillion won, despite opposition from the ruling People's Power Party (PPP).

“The National Assembly, dominated by the major opposition party, has become a monster that destroys the constitutional order of liberal democracy,” said Mr. Yoon.

The opposition Democratic Party currently controls 171 seats in the 300-member parliament.

Ahead of Yoon's speech, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon expressed support for impeaching the president, calling on his party's lawmakers to vote based on their own "beliefs."

In another development, South Korean police said on December 12 that they will apply for a court order to arrest top police officers from the national police and Seoul police agencies in an investigation into martial law.

Those facing arrest warrants are suspected of having directed police to block the parliament area to prevent lawmakers from entering parliament to overturn the martial law decree.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tong-thong-han-quoc-bac-bo-cao-buoc-noi-day-quyet-dau-tranh-den-phut-cuoi-185241212104925708.htm