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| ▲ Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, apologizes for the failed attempt to impose martial law by ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol during a press conference at its headquarters in Seoul on Jan. 7, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) opposition party-martial law
(LEAD) Head of main opposition party apologizes for martial law by ex-President Yoon
(ATTN: ADDS remarks, details; CHANGES photo)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- The leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) apologized Wednesday for the failed attempt to impose martial law by ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok made the apology during a press conference at the party's headquarters, signaling that the conservative party would distance itself from Yoon, who is standing criminal trial on insurrection charges.
"The declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, was a wrong and inappropriate response to the situation that caused major confusion and inconvenience to the public, and caused pain to our party members," Jang said, bowing his head in apology.
Jang said he "deeply acknowledges" the responsibility as the ruling party at that time and offered his "sincere apologies" to the public.
"We will find our mistakes and responsibility within the party," he said. "We will make a fresh start in line with the public's expectations."
Jang was among the 18 PPP lawmakers who attended the parliamentary vote to lift the martial law.
Regarding the upcoming local elections, Jang vowed to seek broader political cooperation with other opposition parties to win the elections.
"If they agree on the values of liberal democracy and the goal to prevent the authoritarian rule of the Lee Jae Myung administration, we will keep an open mind and join forces with anyone," he said.
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