South Korea’s president Yoon Suk-Yeol on Saturday bowed to his nation in a television address as he apologised for invoking martial law and triggering a constitutional crisis.

Speaking for the first time since he sent soldiers to the nation’s parliament – and hours ahead of an impeachment vote he could lose – Mr Yoon said he was “very sorry”.

“The decision was made from the desperation of me as the president,” he told the nation. “But it gave the people anxiety and inconveniences. I am very sorry and apologise to you.”

He suggested he would not try to avoid blame for the chaos, as opposition parties push for him to face insurrection charges.

“I won’t avoid any legal and political responsibility issues caused by this declaration,” Mr Yoon said.

“There are people wondering if there will be another martial law declaration, but I can tell you clearly: there definitely won’t be.”

Mr Yoon said he would leave “the issue of his tenure” to his party and ended his short televised address with a bow to the camera.

He added: “I bow my head and apologise once again for any worries I may have caused the people.”

The president has been beset by protests and calls for his resignation since Tuesday, when he sent troops to the national assembly and vowed to eliminate “anti-state forces” in a draconian move that was seen by opponents as an attempted coup.