(2nd LD) Main opposition party apologizes for martial law by ex-President Yoon

▲ 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)

▲ Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, leaves after apologizing 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)

(2nd LD) opposition party-martial law

(2nd LD) Main opposition party apologizes for martial law by ex-President Yoon

(ATTN: ADDS remarks, details, photo; RECASTS headline, lead para)

By Yi Wonju

SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- The leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) issued a belated apology Wednesday for the failed attempt to impose martial law by ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, amid mounting calls for reform ahead of the local elections later this year.

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.

He also unveiled a set of reform measures as the party struggles to rejuvenate its image ahead of the local elections just five months away.

Jang's belated apology is widely seen as an effort to address a growing leadership crisis within the PPP amid mounting calls for the party to distance itself from Yoon after the martial law bid.

Late last year, Jang drew criticism for his remarks that appeared to justify Yoon's martial law despite intensifying calls for the PPP to issue a formal apology around the first anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

The ruling Democratic Party criticized the apology as a "belated" gesture, voicing skepticism over whether the public would accept it as sincere.

Jang also vowed to seek broader political cooperation with other opposition parties to win the June 3 local 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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