SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, following intense criticism over the president’s brief and controversial declaration of martial law.
The Defence Ministry announced that Choi Byung-hyuk, currently serving as South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has been nominated as Kim’s replacement.
Kim’s resignation came just hours after South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party filed a motion to impeach him.
The chief of Yoon’s own People Power Party had also urged the minister’s removal, blaming him for recommending the martial law declaration.
In a message sent to reporters on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Kim accepted responsibility for the order, saying:
“All soldiers who performed their duties in relation to the emergency martial law (were acting on) the order of the minister, and all responsibilities lie within myself.”
Kim also apologised, expressing regret for “causing concerns and confusion to the people.”
Calls for Yoon’s Resignation
President Yoon is facing mounting pressure to step down after the declaration, which was announced in a surprise late-night address on Tuesday and revoked just hours later.
Yoon accused the opposition Democratic Party of anti-state activities and alleged sympathies with North Korea, citing their motion to impeach top prosecutors and reject a government budget proposal.
Lawmakers swiftly overturned the martial law decree, with 190 out of 300 members of parliament voting against it.
Yoon withdrew the order and recalled the troops early on Wednesday morning.
Six opposition parties have since submitted a motion for Yoon’s impeachment, which is expected to be voted on either Friday or Saturday at midnight.
The Democratic Party has also announced plans to formalise a treason charge against the president.
Widespread Condemnation
The short-lived martial law declaration has sparked protests across South Korea.
Demonstrators in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square held banners condemning Yoon’s “illegal martial law,” reflecting widespread public discontent.
Critics argue that Yoon’s actions have revived memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past, when martial law was used by military-backed regimes to suppress dissent and consolidate power.
What’s Next?
As the fallout from the martial law declaration continues, Yoon’s administration faces significant challenges.
The nomination of Choi Byung-hyuk as the new defence minister is subject to parliamentary approval, while Yoon himself faces a potential impeachment vote and growing public calls for his resignation.
The political crisis has left South Korea grappling with uncertainty, as opposition parties push for accountability and Yoon’s leadership hangs in the balance.
