South Korea defense minister resigns amid martial law chaos
South Korea's Minister of National Defense, Kim Jong-hiun, announced his resignation and apologized to the public. The politician reportedly recommended that the president implement martial law.
- As the Minister of National Defense, I feel fully responsible and apologize for causing confusion and public concern regarding martial law - said Kim Jong-hiun.
- I take full responsibility for all situations associated with martial law - he said. - All soldiers who performed duties related to the state of emergency did so on the minister's orders, and all responsibility rests with me - he emphasized.
He noted that the defence department is "making every effort" to manage current affairs and ensure the country's defence system remains intact.
Kim Jong-hiun submitted his resignation to President Jun Suk-jeol. However, it is not clear whether the resignation will be accepted. This is one of the first such declarations so far; previously, Prime Minister Han Duk-su stated that the government would continue its work.
Jong-hiun became the defence minister only in September. Previously, he was the head of the president's security service, among other roles.
Temporary martial law
On Tuesday at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, President Jun Suk-jeol declared martial law, saying it was related to the North Korean threat, although in his explanations, he focused primarily on internal opposition.
According to the regulations, the defence minister or the minister of internal affairs can propose martial law to the president. However, the latter distanced himself from such actions, and the media reported that he was unaware of plans for a state of emergency until meeting with the president.
Tanks rolled onto the streets of Seoul, and soldiers appeared around government buildings. Protests occurred, and politicians - mainly from the opposition - headed to the National Assembly. Some were blocked by the military and had to climb over a fence. The parliament managed to vote to repeal martial law.
President Jun agreed with the legislators' decision. The opposition announced plans to file for Jun's impeachment.
It is still uncertain whether the impeachment will occur. The opposition has 192 seats in the 300-member parliament. To remove the president, 200 votes are needed. Much depends on how the People's Power Party members, from which Jun originates, will act. Yesterday, several of them voted to repeal martial law.
