Seoul: The floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday apologized after former President Yoon Suk Yeol received a life sentence for his failed 2024 martial law bid, saying the party will distance itself from any forces that undermine the constitutional order.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Song Eon-seok expressed a deep sense of responsibility for the guilty ruling against the former president, a former member of their party. He extended apologies to party members and the public following the Seoul Central District Court's conviction of Yoon for leading an insurrection through the martial law bid on December 3, 2024. Song emphasized the importance of the rule of law, stating that everyone is equal before the law and no one stands above it.

Song highlighted the need for the PPP to reflect on the historical and political significance of the ruling, stressing the party's commitment to distance itself from any actions that threaten or undermine the constitutional order. He assured the public of the party's dedication to serve with greater humility, aiming to restore trust and fulfill their duty to safeguard the nation's constitutional order and liberal democracy.

In contrast, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) expressed regret over the court's decision to sentence Yoon to life imprisonment, considering it lower than the death penalty sought by the special prosecution team. DP leader Jung Chung-rae voiced dissatisfaction at a party meeting, arguing that the life sentence falls short of the public's sense of justice. He also announced plans to pass bills preventing pardons for those convicted of insurrection.

An amendment to the Pardon Act, aimed at prohibiting or restricting pardons for individuals convicted of insurrection, has been tabled before a subcommittee of the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee, with a meeting scheduled for Friday.