South Korea in turmoil: Mass resignations follow martial law debacle
Associates of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol proposed mass resignations following the revocation of martial law in the country, according to Korean media. It also seems that some key ministers were aware of the president's plans in advance.
Late on Tuesday evening Greenwich Time, President Yoon Suk-yeol declared the implementation of martial law to protect the country from "threats posed by North Korea's communist forces." However, it appears that the action was more focused on quelling internal opposition rather than countering an external military threat from Pyongyang.
Legislators, predominantly from the opposition, rushed to the National Assembly to vote against the president's move. Although the military attempted to prevent their entry, some lawmakers managed to climb over fences. As a result, a quorum was achieved—190 members voted to repeal martial law. Interestingly, Yoon encountered opposition from several lawmakers within his own party.
According to Korean media, following the parliamentary rejection of martial law, close associates of the president resigned from their roles. This group includes the director of the National Security Office, the head of the political office, the chief secretary, and several other senior members of the presidential administration.
Despite rumours of a potential government resignation, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assured the nation in his address that the cabinet would "continue fulfilling their duties diligently."
At present, it is uncertain what lies ahead for President Yoon himself. His party is discontented with him, and the opposition is demanding impeachment and accountability.
Did all ministers know about the president's plans?
The manner in which Yoon enacted martial law is being scrutinised. Media reports suggest that a substantial number of ministers were unaware of the plans beforehand. "Chosun Ilbo" reports that, for instance, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, Lee Sang-min, was not included in Yoon's strategy. For the majority of the day, he adhered to his schedule, but he had to abruptly leave one meeting and head to Seoul for a meeting with the president.
An official from the ministry stressed that Minister Lee did not suggest imposing martial law, and there is no confirmation that he agreed to it.
The opposition is calling for Lee's resignation. "Chosun Ilbo" points out that the suggestion to impose martial law might have originated from the heads of the interior ministry or defence ministry.
Meanwhile, analysts note that Lee's ministry instructed local governments to close offices on 3rd December, when President Yoon announced martial law. The ministry asserts that this was standard procedure in emergency situations.
