South Korean Defense Minister Steps Down
Kim Yong-hyun has expressed regret for causing “confusion and concern” after suggesting that President Yoon Suk Yeol should declare martial law. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Kim Yong-hyun has expressed his regrets for causing “confusion and concern” after advising President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law.
The South Korean Minister of National Defense, Kim Yong-hyun, took responsibility for the controversial declaration of martial law in the country, announcing his intention to resign.
On Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol made the unexpected decision to declare martial law, citing threats from “pro-North Korean forces.” He accused the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, of engaging in “anti-state activities” that have led to government paralysis.
However, later that same day, the president retracted the emergency declaration following a unanimous vote in parliament against the action.
In a statement shared with the media on Wednesday, Defense Minister Kim expressed, “I feel responsible for all the turmoil caused by the emergency martial law,” and apologized for causing confusion and concern to the public.
“I take responsibility for all matters related to martial law and have tendered my resignation to the president,” Kim stated.
According to Yonhap news agency, Kim is thought to have been the advisor behind President Yoon Seok Yeol’s decision to impose martial law.
In his message, Kim underscored that all soldiers involved in implementing the measures were performing their duties in accordance with his instructions, asserting that “all responsibility lies with me.”
“Martial law has been lifted and the people are returning to their daily lives, but the domestic political and security situations are not easy,” Kim acknowledged, adding that the National Defense Ministry is taking the situation “very seriously.” He assured that the ministry would implement all requisite measures to address issues without jeopardizing national defense operations or undermining the country’s “firm military readiness posture.”
The leader of the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, had previously condemned the president’s martial law enactment as “unconstitutional” and urged military and police forces to resume normal operations.
Opposition parties in South Korea have also moved to impeach President Yoon over the incident. This motion would require two-thirds support from parliament and a minimum of six justices from the nation’s nine-person Constitutional Court. A vote on the motion could occur as early as Friday.
In recent months, President Yoon’s approval ratings have steadily declined amid ongoing challenges from parliamentary opposition that has repeatedly obstructed his agenda. Last week, the Democratic Party voted against Yoon’s 2025 budget bill and called for investigations into various scandals involving the president's wife and senior officials.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
The South Korean Minister of National Defense, Kim Yong-hyun, took responsibility for the controversial declaration of martial law in the country, announcing his intention to resign.
On Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol made the unexpected decision to declare martial law, citing threats from “pro-North Korean forces.” He accused the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, of engaging in “anti-state activities” that have led to government paralysis.
However, later that same day, the president retracted the emergency declaration following a unanimous vote in parliament against the action.
In a statement shared with the media on Wednesday, Defense Minister Kim expressed, “I feel responsible for all the turmoil caused by the emergency martial law,” and apologized for causing confusion and concern to the public.
“I take responsibility for all matters related to martial law and have tendered my resignation to the president,” Kim stated.
According to Yonhap news agency, Kim is thought to have been the advisor behind President Yoon Seok Yeol’s decision to impose martial law.
In his message, Kim underscored that all soldiers involved in implementing the measures were performing their duties in accordance with his instructions, asserting that “all responsibility lies with me.”
“Martial law has been lifted and the people are returning to their daily lives, but the domestic political and security situations are not easy,” Kim acknowledged, adding that the National Defense Ministry is taking the situation “very seriously.” He assured that the ministry would implement all requisite measures to address issues without jeopardizing national defense operations or undermining the country’s “firm military readiness posture.”
The leader of the Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, had previously condemned the president’s martial law enactment as “unconstitutional” and urged military and police forces to resume normal operations.
Opposition parties in South Korea have also moved to impeach President Yoon over the incident. This motion would require two-thirds support from parliament and a minimum of six justices from the nation’s nine-person Constitutional Court. A vote on the motion could occur as early as Friday.
In recent months, President Yoon’s approval ratings have steadily declined amid ongoing challenges from parliamentary opposition that has repeatedly obstructed his agenda. Last week, the Democratic Party voted against Yoon’s 2025 budget bill and called for investigations into various scandals involving the president's wife and senior officials.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
