Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, at the center of a political crisis caused by his brief but controversial declaration of martial law, has attempted suicide while in detention, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Kim, who was arrested on Sunday for his role in advocating the martial law declaration on December 3, attempted suicide before a formal arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday. According to Shin Yong-hae, head of South Korea’s Correctional Service, the incident took place in a detention center bathroom, but Kim abandoned the attempt after a corrections officer intervened. He has since been moved to an isolation room and is in stable condition.
Read more: South Korea’s Yoon Apologizes for Martial Law Actions, Rejects Calls for Resignation
This incident occurred amid a political crisis in South Korea, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected martial law declaration, accusing the opposition of links to North Korea and “anti-state activities.” The declaration sparked widespread outrage and was quickly overturned after lawmakers defied soldiers blocking the National Assembly, forcing the president to rescind it within hours.
The aftermath has been severe, with President Yoon facing investigations for potential insurrection and violating the constitution. Opposition lawmakers are pushing for his impeachment, with a new motion expected this week. The National Assembly had previously voted against impeachment after members of Yoon’s People Power Party boycotted the vote.
Under South Korea’s constitution, martial law can be annulled by a majority vote in the National Assembly, leading Yoon to back down. Kim, who resigned as defense minister following the crisis, took full responsibility for the military’s actions during the incident, stating, “All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.”
In addition to Kim, three senior military officials involved in the martial law attempt have been suspended. The police are investigating President Yoon and other officials for potential treason, with a special council established to examine allegations of insurrection and abuse of power.
The swift reversal of martial law has intensified calls for the president’s impeachment. Last Saturday, impeachment was narrowly avoided when members of Yoon’s People Power Party walked out during the vote. The martial law declaration was reportedly driven by President Yoon’s frustration with the opposition-controlled National Assembly, which had blocked his policy agenda and approved a reduced budget. Critics argue that declaring martial law, the first in four decades, was an extreme and unjustifiable reaction.
