Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, accused of playing a lead role in the failed imposition of martial law on December 3, tried to commit suicide inside a detention centre on Wednesday. A justice ministry official confirmed the incident in Parliament, reported news agency Reuters.
The official said he used his underwear to attempt suicide.
The development comes after the recent arrest of South Korea's former defence minister, who was detained by prosecutors investigating claims of treason linked to President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. Kim, who had stepped down from his post, was instrumental in the temporary imposition of martial law. Documents from opposition figures and testimony from a senior military official suggest that Kim had recommended this action to President Yoon.
Kim had been detained since Sunday and was formally arrested earlier on Wednesday after a court authorised his detention, following allegations of his involvement in a rebellion and abuse of power. Kim’s condition was reported to be stable, according to Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner-general of the Korea Correctional Service, who briefed lawmakers on the matter, reported The Guardian.
Kim is the first individual to be arrested in connection with the martial law decree issued on December 3. He now faces multiple charges, including "participating in essential duties during an insurrection" and "abusing his authority to hinder the exercise of rights." A spokesperson for the Seoul Central District Court explained that the decision to arrest Kim was driven by concerns over the potential destruction of evidence.
Raid At South Korean President's Office
South Korean police on Wednesday launched a raid on the presidential office Wednesday as part of a probe into President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of martial law, which led to widespread turmoil in the country last week. The Special Investigation Unit confirmed it carried out searches at the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service.
According to Yonhap news agency, the raid on Wednesday is part of an investigation to determine whether Yoon’s actions, backed by other senior officials, constituted insurrection — a crime not protected by presidential immunity and potentially punishable by death. A special investigation unit confirmed the raid, which also targeted the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service.