SEOUL, South Korea (THE NEW YORK TIMES) 

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologised Saturday but stopped short of resigning, after his declaration of martial law this week set off widespread protests and plunged the country into political turmoil.

Yoon said he was deeply sorry for causing anxiety and discomfort and bowed his head before cameras during a speech that lasted just over two minutes. 

The speech was Yoon’s first appearance in public since Wednesday morning.