Official announcements from the South Korean government

South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Resigns Amid Political Turmoil Over Failed Martial Law

Dec 4, 2024, 10:44 AM

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has offered his resignation and apologized to citizens on Wednesday following the failed imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim took full responsibility for the confusion and concern caused by the brief enforcement of martial law, which was lifted after approximately six hours when the parliament voted to cancel it. He stated, "I apologize for causing public confusion about martial law. I will take responsibility for all situations related to martial law." Reports suggest that Kim influenced or proposed the introduction of martial law. The opposition has initiated impeachment motions against both President Yoon and Defense Minister Kim. In response, President Yoon accepted Kim's resignation and nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a retired military officer, as the new defense minister.