ISTANBUL

South Korean presidential secretary for national integration, Kang Jun-wook, resigned on Tuesday over his controversial remarks defending former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid last December, Yonhap News reported.

Kang was appointed by President Lee Jae Myung in mid-July to draft policies promoting social unity but has come under increasing pressure to resign over past controversial remarks.

In a book published in March, Kang claimed Yoon saw martial law as a way to vent frustration over political gridlock and argued that calling it rebellion was an attempt to stir public sentiment.

Presidential spokeswoman Kang Yu-jung acknowledged growing public concern, saying 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 told reporters.

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

Kang noted that a replacement will be selected from among conservative figures who share the administration’s values and vision for national unity.

Separately, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been booked for allegedly giving false testimony about Yoon’s failed martial law attempt, Yonhap News reported on Tuesday, citing legal sources.

Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk's team suspects Han lied during his testimony before the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly. Han claimed he was unaware of the printed martial law order until after it was lifted and later discovered a copy in his pocket.

However, surveillance footage reportedly shows him taking what appeared to be the documents from the Cabinet meeting room. Han was among the Cabinet members Yoon summoned before declaring martial law.

He is also suspected of helping draft a false document afterward to legitimize the order. Depending on the investigation, prosecutors may seek his arrest.

The developments came after former President Yoon pleaded with reporters on Monday that he be "the only one persecuted by this nonsensical political oppression," according to Korea Joong Ang Daily.

"I ask that an immediate halt be put to an unjust persecution tarnishing the honor and destroying the lives of those who have devoted themselves to the nation and its people," Yoon added.

He claimed that his declaration of martial law came because he believed South Korea’s “liberal democracy and constitutional order were in grave danger."

“Whether my judgment was correct, and whether the declaration of martial law was the right decision, is ultimately for history to decide,” he added.

Yoon was indicted Saturday on new charges of abuse of authority tied to his imposition of martial law, following his detention earlier this month.