South Korea’s former defense minister attempted suicide after he was arrested over martial law probe

Former South Korean defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, made headlines recently after attempting suicide while in detention over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration. The incident occurred as police raided President Yoon’s office amid the investigation into the declaration. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party is planning a second impeachment vote against Yoon on Saturday, following the failed attempt last weekend.

According to Shin Yong Hae, commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service, Kim tried to end his life overnight at a detention center in Seoul but was stopped by officials. He is currently in stable condition. Justice Minister Park Sung Jae confirmed Kim’s suicide attempt during a parliament committee meeting. Kim was detained after a warrant for his arrest was approved, accusing him of playing a key role in rebellion and abuse of power related to the martial law decree.

Kim, a close associate of Yoon, allegedly recommended martial law to the president and deployed troops to block lawmakers from voting on the motion. Despite lawmakers entering the parliament chamber and rejecting the decree, Kim was arrested as the first person in connection with the martial law declaration. Prosecutors have up to 20 days to decide whether to indict him.

In addition to Kim, Cho Ji Ho, commissioner general of the National Police Agency, and Kim Bong-sik, head of the metropolitan police agency of Seoul, were also detained over their actions during martial law. The investigation is focusing on whether Yoon, Kim, and others committed the crime of rebellion, which carries a maximum sentence of death.

Yoon apologized for the martial law declaration and stated he would not evade legal or political responsibility. He also announced his intention to let his party handle the country’s political turmoil. The declaration of martial law was criticized as unconstitutional by opposition parties and experts. This was the first time martial law was imposed in South Korea in over 40 years.

During a parliamentary hearing, testimony revealed that Yoon had asked troops to remove lawmakers from parliament, but the orders were not followed. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides on his removal from office. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over presidential responsibilities in the interim, with a replacement election to be held within 60 days if Yoon is removed from office.