South Korean defence minister resigns amid martial law controversy

South Korea's Defence Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who assumed office in September 2024, has offered his resignation following the brief imposition of martial law, which sparked public unrest. 

Kim, a close ally of President Yoon Suk Yeol, issued a statement on December 4, expressing his regret over the turmoil caused by the controversial move, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"First, I deeply regret and take full responsibility for the confusion and concern caused to the public regarding the martial law... I have taken full responsibility for all matters related to the martial law and have submitted my resignation to the president," Kim said in a statement.

The announcement comes after a period of national uncertainty following the sudden enforcement of martial law, which has drawn widespread criticism.

The Defence Minister's resignation is seen as a response to the public's disquiet and the growing political fallout.

Meanwhile, on December 3, South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol declared emergency martial law, accusing the opposition of engaging in antistate activities. In a late-night televised address, he explained that the measure was necessary to protect South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea and to eliminate elements that undermine the state.

Yoon criticized the National Assembly for cutting essential budgets, including those for national security, crime prevention, and public safety, leading to widespread disorder. He called the situation "chaos" and warned that the country had become a haven for drugs.

General Park An-soo, appointed as the martial law commander, outlined restrictions including a ban on all political activities, such as those in the National Assembly, local councils, political parties, and demonstrations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev