In a dramatic turn of events following South Korea’s brief imposition of martial law, former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun attempted suicide while in detention but was stopped by officials. This incident comes as police raided President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office on Wednesday, investigating the president’s controversial martial law declaration.
Kim Yong Hyun, arrested early Wednesday after a Seoul court issued a warrant on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, tried to take his life overnight but was intercepted by correctional officers. Shin Yong Hae, commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service, confirmed during a parliament committee meeting that Kim is now in stable condition. Justice Minister Park Sung Jae also acknowledged the failed suicide attempt.
The martial law decree, enacted by President Yoon on December 3, was short-lived, rescinded after a few hours when lawmakers unanimously rejected it by entering the National Assembly despite the presence of troops. Kim, a close associate of Yoon, is accused of advising the president to impose martial law and deploying forces to prevent legislative voting, actions which led to his arrest.
Prosecutors now have up to 20 days to decide whether to formally indict Kim over his role in the incident. The investigation also extends to National Police Agency Commissioner General Cho Ji Ho and Seoul’s metropolitan police chief, Kim Bong-sik, who were detained for their involvement in supporting the martial law by deploying police to block lawmakers.
The political turmoil escalated with the main opposition Democratic Party planning a second impeachment vote against Yoon this Saturday, following an unsuccessful attempt last weekend. The focus is on whether Yoon, Kim, and others committed rebellion, a charge that could lead to the death penalty upon conviction.
President Yoon, identifying as a conservative, issued an apology on Saturday, committing to not evade responsibility for the declaration. He criticized “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces,” pointing to his liberal opponents in parliament.
This was the first martial law declaration in South Korea in over four decades, widely considered unconstitutional by opposition parties and legal experts. During a parliamentary hearing, Army Special Warfare Command’s Kwak Jong-keun revealed that Yoon personally ordered him to forcefully enter the parliament and remove lawmakers, an order he did not follow. Another testimony from senior officer Kim Dae-woo indicated preparations for detaining political figures post-martial law.
If impeached, Yoon’s powers would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court decision on his removal, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming presidential duties. Should Yoon be removed from office, a new presidential election would be required within 60 days.
