South Korea’s defense minister has resigned in response to criticism of his handling of a deadly North Korean artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island. The government announced the decision on Thursday amid mounting tension. The resignation of Defense Minister Kim Tae-young follows fierce criticism in parliament over the nation’s response to Tuesday’s attack, which killed two marines and two civilians and caused extensive damage. North Korea, meanwhile, warned it will stage more attacks like the one on Tuesday if the South continues what Pyongyang describes as reckless military provocations.