SEOUL: Senior aides to the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol have tendered their resignations, following the contentious appointment of two justices to the Constitutional Court by Acting President Choi Sang-mok. This development has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing political crisis in South Korea, as the nation grapples with the implications of Yoon's impeachment and potential criminal charges.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the aides who have offered to resign include Chung Jin-suk, the presidential chief of staff; Shin Won-sik, the national security adviser; Sung Tae-yoon, the chief of staff for policy; and Chang Ho-jin, Yoon's foreign policy adviser. The resignations came a day after Choi's appointments to the Constitutional Court, which partially addressed opposition demands to fill three vacant seats on the nine-member bench. These appointments are crucial as the court considers the impeachment motion against Yoon, with a minimum of six votes needed to uphold it.

The presidential office has expressed regret over Choi's decision, accusing him of exceeding his authority as an interim leader. The two newly appointed justices assumed their roles on Wednesday, with an official inauguration set for the following day, as confirmed by the Constitutional Court.

Choi, who also holds the position of deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister, has indicated through the finance ministry that he does not intend to accept the resignation offers. His focus, according to a ministry message, remains on stabilizing the country's livelihoods and state affairs amidst the political turmoil.

President Yoon, who was impeached by the National Assembly last month, is also facing a criminal investigation related to an alleged failed martial law declaration on December 3. This comes on the heels of a Seoul court issuing a warrant for his detention, marking him as the first sitting South Korean president to face potential arrest. The charges against him include orchestrating the martial law declaration, insurrection, and abuse of power.

In a related move, Kim Tae-kyu, acting chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, has also signaled his intention to resign. His decision seems to be a protest against the recent judicial appointments. Kim has been serving as the interim leader of the commission since the impeachment of Chairperson Lee Jin-sook in August.