South Korea’s Ex-Defense Minister Attempts Suicide After Failed Martial Law

Former South Korean Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun reportedly attempted suicide while in custody.

This comes as the country grapples with political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law.

The suicide attempt was confirmed on Wednesday by Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service.

Kim Yong-hyun was detained in Seoul on Sunday, becoming the first high-profile figure taken into custody over the controversial martial law decree.

He allegedly advised President Yoon to declare martial law and resigned from his position last Thursday.

Before stepping down, Kim Yong-hyun released a statement taking full responsibility for the military’s actions during the martial law declaration.

He said that “all troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.”

According to Shin, Kim attempted to take his own life in a bathroom before an arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday evening.

A corrections officer intervened, and Kim was subsequently moved to an isolation room. He is reportedly in stable condition.

The crisis intensified as South Korean police raided the presidential office on Wednesday as part of an investigation into President Yoon’s actions, which have sparked public outrage.

Prosecutors are now considering insurrection charges against Yoon, who has been barred from leaving the country.

Opposition lawmakers are also pushing for his impeachment.

President Yoon declared martial law on December 3 in a surprise television address, accusing the main opposition party of supporting North Korea and engaging in anti-state activities.

However, the decree was swiftly overturned within six hours after lawmakers forced their way into parliament to annul it.

During a hearing at the National Defense Committee, former Special Warfare Command Commander, Kwak Jong-geun revealed that Yoon had ordered him to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly. Kwak refused, citing the risk of injuries.

The fallout has led to mounting calls for Yoon’s resignation.

Despite surviving an impeachment vote on Saturday due to a boycott by members of his ruling People Power Party, the president faces immense political pressure.

KanyiDaily recalls that South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol was banned from leaving the country after he caused nationwide uprising by briefly declaring martial law.