South Korea: Acting Defence Minister urges robust readiness against North Korea after Yoon's ouster

IANS April 4, 2025 193 views

South Korea faces a critical political moment after President Yoon Suk Yeol's unexpected impeachment by the Constitutional Court. Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho immediately called for heightened military readiness against potential North Korean provocations. The presidential office is in transition, with senior aides resigning en masse following the ruling. A snap presidential election will be held within 60 days to determine the country's next leader.

"We need to establish a firm military readiness posture against North Korea" - Kim Seon-ho, Acting Defense Minister
Seoul, April 4: South Korean Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho on Friday urged the military to establish a robust readiness posture against possible North Korean provocations following the Constitutional Court's ruling that ousted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Key Points

1

Constitutional Court unanimously removes Yoon Suk Yeol from presidency

2

Acting minister urges military preparedness against potential provocations

3

Snap presidential election to be held within 60 days

4

Senior presidential aides submit mass resignations

Kim made the call as he convened a meeting of key commanders following the ruling, joined by senior officials from the defence ministry, as well as chiefs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and armed services, the Defence Ministry said.

"We need to establish a firm military readiness posture against North Korea while perceiving the current stern situation and ensuring the people's safety," he said, instructing the commanders to seamlessly conduct planned operations and training while adhering to political neutrality, Yonhap news agency reported.

The acting minister also called for an overwhelming response posture, under a firm South Korea-US combined defense posture, against the possibility that the North may carry out an unexpected provocation following the ruling, according to the ministry.

In a unanimous verdict delivered earlier in the day, the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's impeachment over his failed martial law declaration on December 3, immediately forcing him out of office.

Earlier in the day, senior aides to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered to resign en masse, the presidential office said, after the Constitutional Court removed him from office over his failed martial law bid.

Yoon's chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik and 13 other aides submitted their resignations to acting President Han Duck-soo after the court upheld Yoon's impeachment over his short-lived martial law declaration in a unanimous vote.

In a statement after the ruling, Yoon said it was "an honour" to serve the country and he was sorry for not being able to meet people's expectations.

The Presidential office was in a somber mood as senior aides watched the live broadcast of the ruling from their offices, while Yoon viewed it from his residence in central Seoul.

Shortly after the announcement at 11:22 a.m., officials lowered the presidential flag displayed in front of the presidential office in Yongsan.

The Constitutional Court's ruling came months after the National Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14 over his martial law declaration. Yoon served less than three years of his five-year term after taking office in May 2022.

With his ouster, the country will hold a snap presidential election within 60 days.

Reader Comments

J
James L.
Strong leadership from Acting Minister Kim at a critical time. North Korea always looks for weakness - we can't give them any openings. The military must stay vigilant! 🇰🇷
S
Sarah K.
This political turmoil couldn't come at a worse time. I hope the transition is smooth and doesn't distract from national security. The US alliance is more important than ever now.
M
Min-jae P.
Respectfully, I think Yoon's ouster was necessary but the timing is unfortunate. The military seems prepared though - that's reassuring. Let's hope the election brings stability.
A
Aisha R.
Interesting to see how quickly the presidential flag was lowered. The speed of these transitions always amazes me! Hope the new leadership can unite the country.
T
Thomas W.
While I agree with the need for strong defense, I worry this focus on military readiness might overshadow important domestic issues during the transition period. Balance is key.
H
Hye-jin K.
The mass resignations show how serious this is. Yoon's apology seemed sincere though. Now we need to look forward, not back. The next 60 days will be crucial for Korea's future!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
South Korea North Korea Yoon Suk Yeol Kim Seon-ho Military Readiness Constitutional Court Presidential Impeachment
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