Han Deok-su bows instead of Yoon... Opposition focuses fire on 'co-conspirator of rebellion'

Prime Minister Explains Emergency Martial Law Situation in National Assembly
All Cabinet Members Opposed, but Yoon Enforced Martial Law
Park Beom-gye Criticizes "Greed and Collusion"... Han Says "Crisis Management"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo appeared at the National Assembly to explain the process by which President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law. Despite President Yoon pushing forward with martial law against the opposition of all Cabinet members, Han repeatedly bowed in apology, taking responsibility for failing to stop it. The opposition party launched a fierce offensive, calling him a 'complicit accomplice in the martial law,' while Prime Minister Han repeatedly emphasized that the government and political circles must cooperate to manage the crisis.

On the afternoon of the 11th, during the emergency urgent question session on 'President Yoon Suk-yeol's unconstitutional declaration of martial law and related acts of rebellion' held at the National Assembly, Prime Minister Han stated, "I became aware of the (martial law plan) after arriving at the Presidential Office on the evening of the 3rd," adding, "I clearly expressed my opposition and tried to persuade the President against such intentions." He continued, "However, ultimately, I could not stop it," and said, "I feel truly sorry and carry a great sense of guilt."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is bowing deeply to apologize to the public at the urgent question session on "President Yoon Seok-yeol's unconstitutional declaration of emergency martial law and related acts of rebellion," held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 11th, following the request of Seo Young-kyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

When asked whether there were any Cabinet members who supported martial law at the Cabinet meeting chaired by President Yoon just before the declaration on the night of the 3rd, Prime Minister Han replied, "Everyone opposed and was worried." It is known that only 11 members, including Prime Minister Han, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol, and Unification Minister Kim Young-ho, who constituted the quorum for the Cabinet meeting, attended. All these Cabinet members opposed martial law, but President Yoon pushed it through.

When asked about the 'reasons for opposition,' Prime Minister Han revealed, "I said it would cause enormous damage to South Korea's economy and credibility, and that the public would not accept it," adding, "I believe the Cabinet meeting itself had many procedural and substantive flaws." Regarding the background of convening the Cabinet meeting, he emphasized, "It was not to protect procedural flaws but to gather more Cabinet members to oppose and prevent it."

Despite these explanations, the opposition lawmakers continued their aggressive attacks. Democratic Party lawmaker Seo Young-kyo said, "Apologizing now for failing to stop Yoon Suk-yeol's coup is truly cowardly," demanding that he bow in apology.

In response, Prime Minister Han bowed 90 degrees four times to express his apology, and all the Cabinet members present also stood and bowed. However, Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo did not stand.

During this process, lawmakers from the People Power Party protested, saying "Stop it," while shouts of "Shame on you" were exchanged from the opposition seats. Lawmaker Seo, who repeatedly scolded the Cabinet members, raised her voice, saying, "Yoon Suk-yeol could start a war at any time," and "His duties must be suspended immediately, and the impeachment motion should be passed on Saturday (the 14th)."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is responding to a question from Seo Young-kyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, during the 'Emergency Questioning on President Yoon Suk-yeol's Unconstitutional Declaration of Martial Law and Acts of Rebellion' held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

There was also a moment when Prime Minister Han, who was repeatedly apologizing, rebutted the opposition lawmaker's criticism. Democratic Party lawmaker Park Beom-gye claimed that Prime Minister Han and People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon staged a soft coup through a 'Han-Han collusion.'

Earlier, on the 8th, Prime Minister Han and Party Leader Han announced through a public address that the government and ruling party would jointly manage state affairs. Prime Minister Han stated, "All Cabinet members and public officials will prioritize the will of the people and work with the ruling party to operate state functions stably and smoothly." Party Leader Han said in a separate statement, "Until the President steps down, the Prime Minister will closely consult with the party to manage people's livelihoods and state affairs."

They meant that although President Yoon would step down from state affairs, the government (Prime Minister Han) and the ruling party (Party Leader Han) would maintain state functions, which was labeled as a 'greedy pursuit of power.' Prime Minister Han rebutted, saying, "South Korea is a country governed by the Constitution and laws." Subsequently, during the questioning, Lawmaker Park used somewhat harsh language such as "It's scary," and "Are you out of your mind?" prompting Prime Minister Han to request, "Please do not insult me personally."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.