Citizens watch news about President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law at Seoul Station, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk.

President Yoon Suk Yeol said there was "no wrongdoing" in the declaration of martial law, emphasizing that it was solely intended to prevent what he described as the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) "reckless impeachment actions."

His remarks, made during a meeting with key political figures, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, drew criticism within the party for being out of touch with public sentiment.

According to sources in the ruling bloc on Wednesday, Yoon reiterated during the meeting at the Yongsan presidential office that the martial law declaration adhered to constitutional and legal procedures.

He dismissed allegations of any impropriety, framing the move as a necessary response to what he called the opposition party's "abuse of impeachment powers."

When asked by reporters whether the martial law served as a warning to the DPK, the PPP leader distanced himself from such interpretations, saying, "Martial law cannot be used as a mere warning."

British newspapers, including the Financial Times and The Guardian, feature front-page coverage of South Korea's martial law situation, Wednesday, dedicating multiple pages to in-depth analyses. Yonhap

Criticism from within

Rep. Jeong Sung-kook of the ruling PPP expressed concerns over the administration's stance.

"It seems the severity of the situation is not being conveyed properly to the president," he said, calling the perception in the presidential office "too complacent."

Despite growing calls for accountability, including demands for the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and a complete cabinet reshuffle, Yoon remained resolute, officials said.

Participants of the meeting, including Han and Floor Leader Chu Kyung-ho, refrained from directly raising the issue of Yoon stepping down from the presidency.

However, Han confirmed that earlier in the day, he had conveyed the demand for Yoon's resignation to the Presidential Chief of Staff, Jeong Jin-seok.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, center, and related ministers and vice ministers leave a conference room after a meeting at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno District, central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Allegations of political targeting

During the meeting, Han also raised concerns about allegations that the Capital Defense Command's special task force was mobilized to detain key political figures, including himself, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, and DPK leader Lee Jae-myung.

While some senior ruling party members vowed to resist any opposition attempts to shorten Yoon's term, those claims added further tension to the political divide.

An official at the presidential office described the discussions as "serious and thorough," denying any significant differences of opinion between the president and his party members.

The DPK is set to present an impeachment motion against Yoonat midnight on Dec. 5, arguing that the martial law declaration violated constitutional and legal boundaries.

Reactions within the PPP remain split, with some lawmakers considering impeachment as a viable option, while others advocate alternative measures to win back public trust.

When asked about his position on impeachment, Han declined to comment, saying, "I will not respond to such questions."

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon speaks as he leaves an emergency general meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Wednesday. On the left is floor leader Chu Kyung-ho.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.