outh Korea’s Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun has resigned following a failed attempt to impose martial law, which triggered a political crisis in the country. President Yoon Suk-yeol accepted his resignation and nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, the current ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as the new defence minister. This follows the controversial military action and public outrage over the martial law proposal.

BulletsIn

• Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigns after proposing martial law.
• President Yoon Suk-yeol accepts resignation, nominates Choi Byung-hyuk as new defence minister.
• Choi is a retired four-star general and former deputy commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command.
• Martial law proposal was cut short after South Korea’s parliament voted to reverse the decision.
• Hundreds of troops who entered the National Assembly were sent back to barracks.
• Opposition parties have strongly condemned the move and are seeking Yoon’s impeachment.
• Police are investigating President Yoon for “insurrection,” a crime punishable by death.
• North Korea and Russia’s mutual defence treaty came into effect, adding to the political tensions.
• Yoon’s ruling party opposes impeachment efforts; requires cross-party support to succeed.
• International community watches the crisis closely, given South Korea’s strategic and economic importance.