South Korea’s ex-defense chief attempts suicide ahead of martial law charges

Kim Yong-hyun is accused of plotting an insurrection with President Yoon Suk Yeol last week

Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who prosecutors say proposed last week’s martial law declaration, has attempted to end his own life while in custody.

At about the same time, South Korean police raided the presidential office on Wednesday, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The search was part of a widening investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law, which sparked public anger in the country.

Former Defense Minister Kim, who resigned on Thursday, was the first figure to be detained in the case on Sunday. Prosecutors say he recommended the imposition of martial law. Kim allegedly made the attempt on his life in a bathroom at Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

Emergency responders received a call around 3pm local time, according to Yonhap news agency. The ex-minister had apparently tried to hang himself. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Officials have not speculated on a motive for his suicide attempt. A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense stated, “We are monitoring the situation closely and hope for his recovery.”

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Kim’s tenure as defense minister was marked by significant military reforms and heightened tensions with North Korea. In recent months, Kim was the subject of investigations into possible corruption.

Last Tuesday, President Yoon declared martial law, accusing the opposition of preparing a “rebellion” and being sympathetic to North Korea.

Shortly afterward, lawmakers voted unanimously to lift the decree, and thousands protested against Yoon’s actions. On Wednesday, Yoon canceled the decree.

The opposing Democratic Party, which holds a majority of seats in parliament, said it planned to impeach him. Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment when lawmakers from his People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote on Saturday.