South Korea‘s former President Yoon Suk-gel issued a public apology today, hours after he was removed from office by the Constitutional Court over his failed attempt to move forward with martial law in December.

“I am truly sorry and devastated that I could not live up to your expectations,” Mr. Yoon said in a terse statement released after the court’s unanimous decision.

“I am deeply grateful to all those who supported and encouraged me even when I did not rise to the occasion,” the ousted president added.