Resignation of South Korean Defence Minister

SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and nominated the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as the new defence minister, the presidential office said on Thursday.

Kim, who offered his resignation on Wednesday, was viewed as a key figure in Yoon's declaration of martial law on Tuesday. A senior military official and filings for Yoon's impeachment by opposition members indicated that Kim made the recommendation to Yoon.

Yoon's chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, described Choi as "a person of principle who carries out his duties with dedication and adheres to regulations."

This nomination is Yoon's first official action following the withdrawal of the martial law declaration early Wednesday, amid a wave of political turmoil and diplomatic ramifications.

Parliament moved on Thursday to introduce a motion to impeach Yoon over the failed martial law attempt, although his party pledged to oppose it, leaving the process uncertain.

The main opposition Democratic Party labeled Yoon's martial law attempt as treasonous, with lawmakers potentially pushing for a vote on the bill as soon as Friday.

U.S. officials reported being completely taken aback by Yoon's martial law declaration, with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stating it was "badly misjudged."