South Korean Defense Minister Resigns.
According to Yonhap, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has announced his resignation and apologized to the people for his role in drafting the “martial law declaration” in the country.
Amidst the surprising political crisis in South Korea, the country’s cabinet has announced its intention to request Prime Minister Han Deok-soo’s collective resignation.
The decision comes amid the South Korean government’s relentless efforts to take appropriate measures in response to the country’s overnight political crisis.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean Prime Minister has expressed his desire to “continue serving until the last moment.”
The Chosun Ilbo reported that the South Korean Prime Minister plans to meet with leaders of the ruling People Power Party and senior advisors to President Yoon Seok-you by Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, officials have presented plans to control the consequences of the political crisis on financial markets.
South Korea’s president declared martial law yesterday, accusing the opposition of “anti-government activities.” Hours later, 190 lawmakers who gained access to the National Assembly building voted unanimously to lift the martial law.
However, South Korea’s military said the martial law would remain in place until the president orders it. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, called the martial law “unconstitutional” and called on the military and police to return to their normal duties.
The unrest and chaos in South Korea came after the Democratic Party last week rejected the president’s 2025 budget bill and called for an investigation into several corruption cases involving Yoon Seok-yeol’s wife and some senior government officials.