The main opposition Democratic Party has blasted President Yoon Suk Yeol for claiming he declared martial law to protect the Constitution, calling the president’s words an “expression of extreme delusion” and a “confession” to the crime of imposing martial law illegally.

Rep. Kim Min-seok issued the criticism Thursday in a press conference at the National Assembly, soon after Yoon delivered a televised address to the nation defending his martial law decree and pledging to fight moves to oust him.

Kim said Yoon acted with his impeachment in mind and read in advance a summary of the argument he planned to make at the Constitutional Court. 

Kim said Yoon was inciting far-right forces in his televised address, suggesting the president publicly ordered figures involved in the martial law incident to destroy evidence. 

Repeating calls for Yoon’s impeachment, the opposition party lawmaker urged the ruling People Power Party to immediately allow its lawmakers to cast their ballots freely in the upcoming vote on Yoon’s impeachment at the National Assembly.