Intense political turmoil rocked South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in the country on December 3. In a dramatic turn of events, Yoon accepted Defence Minister’s Kim Yong-hyun resignation and nominated the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as the new defence minister, the President’s office said on Thursday.
According to reports, Kim Yong-hyun offered his resignation on Wednesday. He was allegedly seen as the mastermind behind the martial law implementation in South Korea which was reversed within hours. President Yoon’s move was met with tough resistance by opposition parties, civil society groups, and even some members of his party.
Who Is Choi Byung-hyuk?
Newly appointed Defence Minister Choi Byung-hyuk, an ambassador to Saudi Arabia was called a person of principle by Yoon’s chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk. He said Choi carries his duties with dedication and adheres to rules and regulations. His nomination comes as the first official move by the president’s office amid a row over martial law imposition.
Opposition Tables Motion To Impeach President Yoon
The opposition-led coalition in South Korea on Wednesday tabled a motion in the Parliament to impeach President Yoon after botched martial law. This move was however opposed by Yoon’s party.
“The Yoon Suk Yeol regime’s declaration of emergency martial law caused great diversion and panic among our people,” Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Seung-won said.
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