South Korean defense minister resigns

South Korean Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun has announced that he is taking responsibility for the recent declaration of martial law in the country, and will be tendering his resignation.

On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law, citing a threat posed by “pro-North Korean forces,” and accusing the opposition Democratic Party, which has a majority in parliament, of paralyzing the government with “anti-state activities.”

Several hours later, however, the president announced that the state of emergency would be lifted after the parliament voted unanimously against the decision.

In a message shared with the media on Wednesday, Defense Minister Kim said he felt “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 said.

Kim is believed to have been the one who advised President Yoon Seok Yeol to declare martial law, according to Yonhap news agency.

In his message, Kim also emphasized that all the soldiers who had taken part in imposing the measures had been performing their duties and following the minister’s instructions, adding 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 noted, adding that the National Defense Ministry was taking the situation “very seriously.” He said it would take all necessary measures to resolve issues without disrupting national defense operations or undermining the country’s “firm military readiness posture.”

The Democratic Party leader, Lee Jae-myung, had previously denounced the president’s enactment of martial law as “unconstitutional,” and called on the military and police to resume their normal duties.

South Korean opposition parties have also submitted a motion to impeach President Yoon over the incident. The move would require the support of two-thirds of parliament and at least six justices of the country’s nine-member Constitutional Court. The motion could be put to a vote as early as Friday.

President Yoon’s approval rating has consistently declined in recent months, while the parliamentary opposition has repeatedly derailed his agenda. Last week, the Democratic Party also shot down Yoon’s 2025 budget bill, and called for investigations into several scandals surrounding the president’s wife and senior officials.