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South Korea is reeling from political turmoil as Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun steps down following backlash over his involvement in a short-lived declaration of martial law. President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted the resignation on Wednesday, nominating Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk as Kim's replacement.
The controversy erupted after Kim proposed martial law late Tuesday, citing alleged threats from opposition lawmakers accused of sympathizing with North Korea.
The move, viewed as undemocratic, sent shockwaves through the nation. "All responsibilities lie within myself," Kim stated in a message to reporters, acknowledging the public's concerns and apologizing for the confusion caused.
Parliament swiftly overturned the decree, with 190 of 300 lawmakers voting against it. This reversal saw troops, briefly deployed to the National Assembly, returning to their barracks within hours. The rapid sequence of events left many questioning the stability of the Yoon administration, which is now grappling with calls for impeachment.
The main opposition Democratic Party has labeled the declaration an act of treason. Six opposition parties have joined forces to formalize impeachment charges against President Yoon, alleging an abuse of power.
Despite lacking a parliamentary majority, the opposition aims to secure votes from ruling party defectors to advance the motion. "This was a blatant attempt to undermine democracy," opposition leader Lee Jae-myung remarked during a press briefing.
The People Power Party, Yoon's political base, has vowed to oppose impeachment efforts. Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho emphasized unity, stating, "All 108 of our lawmakers stand firm against this motion." The ruling party's resistance could render the impeachment effort futile, but the growing public discontent adds significant pressure.
Choi Byung-hyuk's nomination as defense minister marks a critical juncture. A retired four-star general with experience as deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, Choi is expected to restore order.
Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk described Choi as "the ideal candidate to uphold military readiness and safeguard democratic values."
