South Korean president apologises for martial law attempt as impeachment vote looms

Yoon Suk Yeol tells nation he will face legal consequences and will not try to impose martial law for a second time

The South Korean president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has apologised for his short-lived attempt to impose martial law this week, promising to face any legal or political consequences hours before parliament is due to vote on his impeachment.

In a two-minute televised address to the nation, his first public appearance since he rescinded the martial law order on Wednesday, Yoon said he was very sorry" for the decision, which he said was born of desperation, and promised not to attempt to impose martial law a second time.