Yoon: 'Will Do Best for Constitutional Amendment Regardless of Term' - 67-minute 'Final Statement' [Comprehensive]

President Yoon's 11th Impeachment Trial

First 'Incumbent President' Final Statement in Constitutional History

Criticizes Opposition While Defending Martial Law Legitimacy

Makes Strategic Move with Constitutional Amendment Card Premised on Term Reduction

President Yoon Suk Yeol reaffirmed his position during his final impeachment trial defense on the 25th, stating that the December 3rd martial law declaration was due to the majority opposition party's excessive actions and was intended as a 'public appeal' to inform the citizens. He told the Constitutional Court that if reinstated, he would focus on constitutional amendment without attachment to his remaining term. This is interpreted as playing the constitutional amendment card premised on reducing the presidential term. Following requests from key ruling party figures, he also included a public apology for causing significant confusion and inconvenience through the martial law declaration.

Yoon: "Opposition's Repeated Impeachments... How is Election Commission Inspection Insurrection?"

President Yoon delivered his final statement lasting approximately 67 minutes during the 11th impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This marks the first time in constitutional history that an incumbent president has given a final statement. President Yoon spent considerable time criticizing the majority opposition party while arguing for the legitimacy and inevitability of the martial law declaration.

President Yoon argued against the opposition's legislative and budget excesses, stating, "While essential bills for businesses and citizens were endlessly delayed, it was truly frustrating when unconstitutional bills requiring veto and bills against core national interests were passed by the opposition alone." He added, "When crucial budget items were cut, I felt helpless." He also mentioned, "The majority opposition kept impeaching, impeaching, and impeaching again," noting that "they even impeached a minister for allegedly glaring at the opposition party leader."

President Yoon continued his criticism of the National Election Commission's computer systems. He stated, "Given the large number of fake fraudulent ballots and statistical and mathematical evidence making the voting results difficult to accept, the need for transparent inspection of the Election Commission's computer systems has been consistently raised," adding, "I cannot understand which aspect is considered insurrection or criminal when we sent small-scale forces for screening purposes after serious security issues were revealed."

Yoon: "December 3rd Martial Law Was 'Public Appeal' in Martial Law Form"

President Yoon maintains that the December 3rd martial law declaration was a 'public appeal' using the form of martial law. He stated, "The December 3rd martial law was not like past martial law that suppressed citizens with force, but rather a public appeal using the form of martial law," adding, "From the beginning, I clearly told Defense Minister (Kim Yong-hyun) that this martial law's purpose was for public appeal."

He continued, "When I declared and then lifted martial law after several hours, many people didn't understand. Some might still be confused," adding, "There might be negative memories associated with the word martial law from the past. The majority opposition and insurrection forces are exploiting this trauma to incite the public."

President Yoon mentioned that even U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and deployed troops on his first day, asking, "Can we definitively say our country's situation is not a national emergency?" He added, "External forces threatening our sovereignty, including North Korea, and anti-state forces within our society are seriously threatening national security and continuity. Just looking at the 2003 Korean Confederation of Trade Unions spy ring case, we can easily confirm the reality of anti-state forces."

Yoon Raises Constitutional Amendment with Term Reduction: "Won't Dwell on Remaining Term"

Addressing the Constitutional Court judges, President Yoon stated he "won't dwell on the remaining term" and indicated that if the impeachment is dismissed and he returns to duty, he would modify the current constitutional system established by the 1987 direct presidential election amendment. This is interpreted as a strategic move premising constitutional amendment including the reduction of his presidential term. His statement that "the president will focus on foreign relations while substantially delegating domestic matters to the prime minister" was understood as indicating plans to pursue a 'responsible prime minister system' before constitutional amendment.

The public apology requested by the ruling party was also included. Early in his statement, President Yoon said, "I first want to express my apologies and gratitude to the citizens," and later added, "Although the martial law was for the state and citizens, I sincerely apologize for causing confusion and inconvenience to our precious citizens in the process." To the judges, he requested, "Please deeply consider the reasons behind my anguished decision as president."

With President Yoon's final defense complete today, the impeachment trial enters its final phase. Today marks 84 days since President Yoon declared martial law on December 3rd, and 73 days since the National Assembly passed and submitted the impeachment motion to the Constitutional Court on December 14th last year. The final ruling date has not yet been set. The legal community expects it to be around early to mid-March.

Hong Min-seong, Hankyung.com Reporter mshong@hankyung.com