South Korea’s defence minister Kim Yong Hyun has apologised to the public and submitted his resignation following political turmoil linked to an emergency martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk-Yeol. The martial law announced late Tuesday and quickly rescinded caused significant public and political backlash. Opposition party had initiated an impeachment motion against Kim intensifying calls for accountability.

The situation has led to a broader political instability with some cabinet ministers offering to resign collectively and opposition leaders proposing impeachment proceedings against President Yoon as well.