Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who is accused of playing a key role in the unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law on December 3, attempted suicide in a detention center on Wednesday. This incident was confirmed by a justice ministry official during a parliamentary session, as reported by Reuters. The official noted that Kim used his underwear in the suicide attempt.
This development follows Kim’s recent arrest by prosecutors investigating allegations of treason related to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration. Kim, who had resigned from his position, was a significant figure in the temporary enforcement of martial law. Evidence from opposition members and a senior military official’s testimony indicates that Kim had advised President Yoon to take this action.
Kim has been in custody since Sunday and was formally arrested earlier on Wednesday after a court approved his detention due to accusations of involvement in a rebellion and abuse of power. According to Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner-general of the Korea Correctional Service, Kim’s condition is stable, as he briefed lawmakers on the situation, according to The Guardian.
Kim is the first individual arrested in relation to the martial law decree issued on December 3. He faces multiple charges, including “participating in essential duties during an insurrection” and “abusing his authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.” A spokesperson for the Seoul Central District Court explained that the decision to detain Kim was influenced by concerns regarding the potential destruction of evidence.
Police Raid on Presidential Office
On Wednesday, South Korean police conducted a raid on the presidential office as part of an investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law, which caused significant unrest in the country last week. The Special Investigation Unit confirmed that searches were carried out at the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service.
According to Yonhap news agency, this raid is part of an inquiry to ascertain whether President Yoon’s actions, supported by other senior officials, amounted to insurrection—a serious crime that is not shielded by presidential immunity and could be punishable by death. The special investigation unit confirmed the raids targeting multiple government agencies.
