Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has issued an apology in parliament regarding the December 3 martial law declaration.

At an emergency questioning session at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Han said he became aware of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s plans to declare martial law after arriving at the presidential office on the evening of December 3.

The prime minister said he expressed clear opposition and tried to persuade the president not to go ahead with it.

Han apologized for ultimately failing to prevent martial law, adding that he has a great sense of guilt.

When asked if any Cabinet members had supported the president’s decision during the meeting that preceded the declaration, the prime minister said everyone expressed opposition and concerns about its impact on the economy, as well as public backlash.