South Korean Defense Minister Resigns in Wake of North Korean Attack

1 year ago

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South Korea's defense minister, Kim Tae-young, resigned Thursday in the aftermath of an attack by North Korea on Yeonpyeong Island. Four South Koreans were killed in the heavy artillery barrage Tuesday.

A new defense chief will be announced Friday, the Associated Press reports.

Kim had previously been criticized after the North sunk a South Korean warship, the Cheonan, in March. Many politicians have complained that South Korean forces were unprepared for both attacks, and some had been demanding Kim's resignation this week.

The change comes as President Lee Myung-bak vowed so send additional troops to Yeonpyeong, which lies near the two countries' disputed frontier. The government in Pyongyang, claiming it had been provoked into the attack, has warned of additional strikes.

President Obama said Wednesday the United States will stand "shoulder to shoulder'' with South Korea. In a previously planned show of force, the aircraft carrier George Washington and other U.S. warships will begin naval exercises Sunday in the Yellow Sea, off South Korea's west coast. The strike group will conduct air defense and surface warfare readiness training with South Korean naval units.

Filed Under: Foreign Policy

Tagged: dailyguidance, Kim Tae-young, Lee Myung-Bak, south korea, south korea ship, south korea warship, Yeonpyeong Island

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ha94s10ss

Sarah, run out on your backporch and tell us what you see! Are the Russians getting ready to go to war in Korea? I'm with you Sarah, let's stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends, the North Koreans.

November 25 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse Permalink -5 rate up rate down Reply