The South Korean president on Thursday defended his martial law decree as an act of governance and denied rebellion charges.

In televised remarks, Yoon Suk Yeol lashed out at his political opponents as "anti-state forces", said North Korea has hacked the country's elections and defended his short-lived martial law order as a legal move to protect democracy.

It came hours before the main liberal opposition Democratic Party submits a new impeachment motion against him. The opposition party plans to put the motion on a floor vote this Saturday.

In the address, Yoon vowed to "fight with the people until the very last minute".

"I apologise again to the people who must have been surprised and anxious due to the martial law," he said.

"Please trust me in my warm loyalty to the people."

The opposition’s earlier attempt to impeach Yoon fell through last Saturday, with ruling party lawmakers boycotting a vote at the National Assembly.

Yoon's inner circle has come under intense scrutiny for their role in last week's martial law declaration.

Prison authorities on Wednesday said former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun tried to kill himself shortly before his formal arrest the previous day.

The former interior minister and the general in charge of the martial law operation are also barred from foreign travel.

And two senior police officials were also arrested early on Wednesday. (Agencies)
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Last updated: 2024-12-12 HKT 10:18