(MENAFN) South Korea’s secretary for national integration, Kang Jun-wook, officially stepped down on Tuesday following widespread backlash over comments defending former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law last December, a news agency reported.

Kang, who had only recently been appointed by President Lee Jae Myung in mid-July to shape initiatives aimed at fostering social harmony, faced mounting demands for his resignation due to earlier contentious statements.

In a publication released in March, Kang asserted that Yoon viewed martial law as a means to release frustration caused by political deadlock.

He contended that labeling it a “rebellion” was an intentional effort to manipulate public emotion.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung confirmed the rising unease among the public, stating that President Lee accepted Kang's resignation.

“There was strong public criticism that his actions did not align with the governing philosophy and principles of the administration,” she informed reporters.

“In response, Kang expressed his intention to take responsibility for his missteps and sincerely apologize to the public by voluntarily stepping down,” she continued.

Kang also mentioned that his successor would be chosen from among conservative individuals who align with the current administration’s core beliefs and long-term goals for national reconciliation.

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