S Korea's defence minister offers to resign

South Korean defence minister Yoon Kwang-ung has offered to resign, Yonhap news agency reported today.

Yoon expressed his intention to step down in a meeting with president Roh Moo-hyun yesterday, Yonhap said. It was unclear why he made the decision.

The offer comes amid increased regional tension after North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test on October 9.