The first high-level resignation came after the declaration of martial law that plunged South Korea into chaos.

The state of emergency declared by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, which lasted only 6 hours, caused a political earthquake in the country. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun announced that he was resigning from his position, taking responsibility for the political crisis.

"I SUBMITTED MY RESIGNATION TO THE PRESIDENCY"

In his statement, Kim said, "First of all, I am sorry for causing confusion and concern among the public regarding the state of emergency decision, and I feel a deep sense of responsibility. I submitted my resignation to the presidency, taking full responsibility for the declaration of the state of emergency."

"PEOPLE HAVE RETURNED TO THEIR DAILY LIVES"

Kim stated that with the lifting of the state of emergency, people have returned to their daily lives, but emphasized that the country is going through a difficult process regarding domestic politics and security. "The South Korean Ministry of Defense takes this situation very seriously. Our ministry will do everything in its power to ensure that there is no disruption in defense operations while managing the issues facing our country in a stable manner," he said.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In a speech made on television last night, President Yoon declared a state of emergency on the grounds that "the opposition was involved in anti-state activities," but he took a step back after the parliament voted to lift the decision and it was subsequently approved by the cabinet. Yoon accused the opposition of "preventing the government from functioning," claiming that the state of emergency aimed to "eliminate pro-North Korea forces and protect the constitutional order of freedoms."

Following the declaration of the state of emergency, the Ministry of Defense had instructed commanders in the army to hold meetings and called for readiness. Meanwhile, soldiers designated as "emergency troops" had entered the National Assembly. In the emergency session held in the National Assembly, the proposal to lift the state of emergency was accepted with the votes of 190 members of parliament. The Office of the National Assembly Presidency announced that the state of emergency became "null and void" after the vote. Following this, Yoon convened the cabinet and announced that the state of emergency was terminated after the cabinet's approval.