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.