South Korea’s former defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, attempted suicide while in detention following his arrest over his involvement in the president’s controversial martial law declaration. The suicide attempt occurred at a detention center in Seoul but was stopped by officials, and Kim is now reported to be in stable condition.
Kim’s arrest on Wednesday came after a Seoul court issued a warrant accusing him of playing a key role in the martial law declaration, which occurred on December 3.
Kim, a close associate of President Yoon Suk Yeol, allegedly recommended martial law to the president and deployed troops to block lawmakers from voting on the decree. The martial law was later rejected by parliament.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the martial law declaration has intensified, with police raiding President Yoon’s office on Wednesday.
Prosecutors are investigating whether the president, Kim, and others involved in the decree committed rebellion, a crime carrying a possible death sentence.
The opposition Democratic Party is moving forward with a second impeachment vote against President Yoon after the first attempt failed. The impeachment is related to the martial law decree, which opposition parties and experts argue was unconstitutional.
President Yoon, who has apologized for the martial law declaration, defended his actions, stating that he sought to eliminate “anti-state forces” from the government.
If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court’s decision, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume presidential duties. If Yoon is removed, a new presidential election would be held within 60 days.
