South Korean defense chief steps down after martial law drama
South Korean president picks new defense minister after previous one quits over martial law crisis. Opposition pushes for presidents impeachment while ruling party stands firm against the move
Yoon Suk Yeol accepted defense minister Kim Yong-hyunʼs resignation today picking Choi Byung-hyuk (current Saudi Arabia envoy) as replacement: the change comes right after a short-lived martial-law declaration
The presidential office praised Choi as a by-the-book professional; his work-style shows strong dedication to rules and regulations. The quick nomination happens just as Yoon deals with fall-out from the martial-law mess that lasted less than 24 hours
The opposition wants Yoon out of office - they filed papers for his removal early this morning. His party says theyʼll block any such moves‚ but the Democratic Party thinks they can push a vote by dec 6th
- Opposition calls the martial law try a crime against state
- Ruling party promises to stop impeachment
- US diplomats say they didnt know about the plan
The Americans werent happy about the whole thing - top diplomat Kurt Campbell said the move showed poor judgment. The declaration shocked US officials who work close with Seoul on security stuff
