SEOUL: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, the Yonhap news agency said. He nom...
SEOUL: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, the Yonhap news agency said.
He nominated to the post Choi Byung-hyuk, a retired Army general serving as ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, North Korean media reported that Kim Yong-hyun was the one who proposed the martial law declaration to the president.
On December 4, Kim Yong-hyun claimed responsibility for the botched martial law and subsequent turmoil, and tendered his resignation.
On the evening of December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the introduction of martial law. He justified his decision by saying that the opposition, which has the most seats in parliament, was paralyzing the work of the executive branch by trying to impeach its representatives, including key government figures. The South Korean leader stressed that he was taking these measures to combat "pro-North Korean elements" and to protect the constitutional order.
A few hours later, the parliament voted to lift it. Later, when the leader promised to reverse his decision, the Cabinet of Ministers supported him. All this happened in less than six hours. South Korea has not seen martial law for 45 years.
Six opposition parties have backed impeachment proceedings against the president, claiming that the martial law declaration was baseless. The parliamentary vote on the issue is expected on December 6 or 7.
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