South Korean President Accepts Defense Minister’s Resignation, Choi Byung-hyuk Announced new defense minister.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of his Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, following the controversial declaration of martial law. The Defense Ministry announced that Choi Byung-hyuk, the South Korean ambassador to Saudi Arabia, will replace Kim as the new defense minister.

Kim’s resignation came shortly after the main opposition Democratic Party filed a motion to impeach him. The pressure intensified as the chief of Yoon’s own People Power Party joined in calling for Kim’s removal, following his recommendation to impose martial law.

Kim took full responsibility for the decision, stating in a message to reporters, “All soldiers who performed their duties related to the emergency martial law were acting on the order of the minister, and all responsibilities lie within myself.” He also expressed regret for causing confusion and concerns among the public.

Yoon’s martial law decree, issued late Tuesday, accused the opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities. The decree, however, was swiftly rejected by lawmakers, with 190 out of 300 members voting against it. Hours later, Yoon backtracked, retracting the decree and withdrawing the troops.

The president now faces mounting pressure, with opposition parties having already filed a motion to impeach him, set to be voted on by the National Assembly by Saturday at midnight. Protests erupted in Seoul on December 4, with demonstrators holding banners condemning the “illegal martial law” declaration. The opposition has also initiated plans to pursue treason charges against President Yoon.