South Korean Minister of National Defense, Kim Yong-hyun, has recently faced significant backlash for advising President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law, a decision that led to considerable confusion and concern among the public. The controversial martial law was enacted unexpectedly by President Yoon, who justified the extreme measure by citing threats from “pro-North Korean forces” and accusing the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in activities that jeopardized state stability. However, within mere hours, the situation pivoted dramatically, as Parliament, asserting its authority, voted unanimously against the declaration, prompting the president to promptly lift the state of emergency. In light of these events, Kim Yong-hyun has publicly taken responsibility for the turmoil and has announced his resignation.
In a heartfelt message to the media, Defense Minister Kim expressed regret over the chaos sparked by the emergency measure and acknowledged the confusion it sowed among citizens. He stated, “I take responsibility for all matters related to martial law and have tendered my resignation to the president,” affirming his accountability in the unfolding crisis. It is understood that Kim played a pivotal role in the push for martial law, according to reports from Yonhap news agency. He further noted that while the soldiers involved acted under his directives, the ultimate responsibility for the actions taken rests solely upon him.
As the situation stabilized with the lifting of martial law, Kim stressed the continuing complexities surrounding domestic political dynamics and national security. He emphasized that the Ministry of National Defense remains vigilant and serious regarding these issues, committing to taking all necessary measures to uphold military readiness without exacerbating the turmoil. Despite the removal of martial law and the resumption of normalcy for citizens, Kim underscored the importance of navigating the delicate balance of political stability and defense integrity amidst ongoing tensions.
The Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, has vehemently opposed President Yoon’s declaration of martial law, denouncing it as unconstitutional. They have further urged military and police forces to revert to their standard operational duties without lingering mandates from the martial law. In a strategic political move aimed at holding President Yoon accountable, opposition parties have initiated a motion for impeachment, which necessitates the backing of two-thirds of Parliament and at least six votes from the nine-member Constitutional Court. This potential impeachment motion could be tabled for a vote as early as Friday, reflecting the high stakes of the political crisis initiated by the martial law declaration.
Meanwhile, President Yoon’s popularity has been wavering, with approval ratings reflecting a steady decline over recent months. This downward trajectory has been exacerbated by the repeated challenges posed by the opposition in Parliament, which has thwarted his policy initiatives, including the recent rejection of his 2025 budget bill. Additionally, allegations regarding several scandals involving the president’s wife and close aides have further aggravated the political climate, creating a turbulent environment that Yoon must navigate carefully.
In summary, the recent call for martial law and its subsequent rejection by Parliament has sparked a significant political upheaval in South Korea. With Minister Kim Yong-hyun taking responsibility for the misstep and resigning, the repercussions of this incident highlight the fragility of political dynamics and the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. As South Korea continues to grapple with these challenges, the overall stability of the government and the president’s ability to regain public confidence will be put to the test in the months to come.
