Kim Yong-hyun "Apologize to the Public Regarding Martial Law... Expressed Resignation to the President"

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun stated on the 4th, "As the Minister of National Defense, I deeply feel responsible and sincerely apologize for causing confusion and concern to the public regarding the martial law."

Yonhap News

Minister Kim made this statement through a text message distributed to the press corps in the evening, titled 'Defense Minister's Position on Martial Law,' and said, "I take full responsibility for all matters related to martial law and have tendered my resignation to the President." It was reported that he directly proposed the declaration of martial law to President Yoon Seok-yeol.

Minister Kim emphasized, "All soldiers and personnel who carried out duties related to martial law acted under my orders. All responsibility lies with me." He added, "Although martial law has been lifted and the public is returning to their daily lives, the domestic political and security situations remain challenging. The Ministry of National Defense recognizes these circumstances very seriously and will make every effort to manage the current issues stably and ensure that national defense operations proceed without disruption." He continued, "Our military will maintain a firm military readiness posture to support national defense and public safety, and will devote itself even more to the military's inherent missions."

Meanwhile, the National Assembly's National Defense Committee announced on the 4th that it will hold an emergency plenary session on the 5th to question the circumstances surrounding President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration and lifting of martial law. The Democratic Party of Korea demanded the convening of the National Defense Committee's plenary session for this urgent inquiry. The People Power Party is also expected to attend the meeting and agree to the opposition's request for witness appearances.

The attendees summoned include Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Army Chief of Staff Park An-su who was appointed as the Martial Law Commander, Special Warfare Command Commander Kwak Jong-geun who mobilized martial law troops from his unit, Counterintelligence Command Commander Yeo In-hyung, and Capital Defense Command Commander Lee Jin-woo.

Opposition lawmakers are expected to focus their questioning particularly on General Park regarding the drafting process of the martial law proclamation order, which specified prohibitions on political activities and media control.