Seoul: A group of 25 lawmakers from the main opposition party, People Power Party (PPP), issued a public apology to the nation on the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt, pledging to sever ties with Yoon. The lawmakers, primarily in their first and second terms, condemned the Dec. 3 imposition of martial law as an "unconstitutional and undemocratic act" that undermined South Korea's liberal democracy, which was achieved through the "blood and sweat" of its citizens.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the lawmakers expressed deep remorse for not preventing the martial law and for the subsequent confusion and suffering it caused. They bowed in apology and committed to distancing themselves from Yoon and others involved in the crisis, vowing to rejuvenate the party with significant reforms. Notable figures among the apologizing lawmakers included four-term lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo and those aligned with former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon.

Additionally, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk acknowledged his "deep responsibility" for the crisis and the impeachment of Yoon, which he described as leading to "a series of political tragedies." His sentiments were echoed by PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog, who held a press conference at the National Assembly, apologizing on behalf of all party lawmakers for not preventing the martial law imposition.

The martial law was declared by Yoon in an unexpected televised address on Dec. 3 of the previous year. The parliamentary vote to lift the decree, in which only 18 of the 108 PPP lawmakers participated, passed unanimously with 190 out of 300 total members present. Allegations surfaced that then PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho intentionally changed the venue of an emergency meeting multiple times at Yoon's behest, complicating efforts to counter the decree.