South Korea’s president has accepted the resignation offer by his defense minister, as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning yet short-lived imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets.

Summary

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun’s resignation amid fallout over his six-hour martial law declaration, which opposition lawmakers allege was unconstitutional and akin to a “self-coup.”

The opposition has moved to impeach both Yoon and Kim, accusing them of overstepping constitutional limits by deploying armed troops to suppress protests.

Yoon’s impeachment would require a two-thirds majority in parliament, with 18 dissenting votes from his conservative party likely crucial.

If impeached, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume presidential duties temporarily.