Former South Korean Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, attempted to take his own life while in custody.
The head of the country’s correctional service revealed on Wednesday, as the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration intensifies.
Kim was taken into custody in Seoul on Sunday, just days after President Yoon’s abrupt and short-lived declaration of martial law sparked a wave of public outrage.
Kim, reportedly the first official detained in connection with the crisis, is accused of recommending martial law. He stepped down as defense minister last Thursday.
Shin Yong-hae, Commissioner General of the Korea Correctional Service, told lawmakers at the National Assembly that Kim’s attempt occurred in a bathroom before a formal arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday night.
“When a corrections officer opened the bathroom door, Kim gave up on the attempt,” Shin explained, adding that the former minister had since been moved to an isolation room and was in stable condition.
The political situation in South Korea has grown increasingly turbulent following President Yoon’s actions.
In an unannounced televised address on December 3, Yoon accused the main opposition party of engaging in “anti-state activities” and declared martial law.
The move triggered chaos, including dramatic scenes of security forces breaking into the National Assembly to block lawmakers from gathering.
Within six hours, Yoon was forced to reverse his decision after lawmakers forced their way past soldiers into the parliament to nullify the decree.
In the aftermath, Yoon has faced mounting calls to step down. Although he survived an impeachment vote on Saturday after members of his conservative People Power Party boycotted the proceedings, the party’s leader, Han Dong-hoon, has stated, “The party will continue to push for the president’s orderly resignation.”
The opposition Democratic Party is preparing another impeachment motion, with a vote anticipated as early as Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry announced the suspension of three senior military commanders over their alleged involvement in the martial law decision.
Before his resignation, Kim issued a statement taking full accountability, “All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.”
In addition, authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Yoon and other high-ranking officials over allegations of treason.
Lawmakers also approved the formation of a special council on Tuesday to investigate whether Yoon committed insurrection or abused his power by declaring martial law.
