Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted to take his own life while in custody, a development that underscores the deepening crisis surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration.
The Commissioner General of the Korea Correctional Service, Shin Yong-hae, disclosed the incident on Wednesday during a session at the National Assembly. According to Shin, the attempt occurred in a bathroom before a formal arrest warrant was issued for Kim on Tuesday night.
“When a corrections officer opened the bathroom door, Kim gave up on the attempt,” Shin said, adding that the former minister had since been moved to an isolation room and was now in stable condition.
Kim, the first official detained in connection with the crisis, was taken into custody in Seoul on Sunday. He faces allegations of recommending martial law and stepped down as defence minister last Thursday.
The political landscape in South Korea has become increasingly unstable since President Yoon’s surprise declaration of martial law on December 3. In an unannounced televised address, Yoon accused the opposition of engaging in “anti-state activities” and announced the measure, which sparked immediate public outrage.
The declaration led to chaos as security forces stormed the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from gathering. However, within six hours, Yoon was forced to reverse his decision after lawmakers managed to breach the military blockade and nullify the decree.
The fallout from the incident has been severe, with Yoon facing widespread calls for his resignation. Although he survived an impeachment vote on Saturday after members of his conservative People Power Party boycotted the proceedings, internal party pressure persists.
“The party will continue to push for the president’s orderly resignation,” said PPP leader Han Dong-hoon.
Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Party has announced plans to pursue another impeachment motion, with a vote expected as early as this Saturday.
In response to the crisis, the Defence Ministry has suspended three senior military commanders over their alleged involvement in the martial law decision. Authorities have also launched a criminal investigation into Yoon and other high-ranking officials, probing allegations of treason.
On Tuesday, lawmakers approved the formation of a special council to investigate whether Yoon committed insurrection or abused his power by declaring martial law.
Before his resignation, Kim released a statement taking full responsibility for the martial law operation. “All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me,” he stated.
The unfolding political scandal has thrown Yoon’s administration into turmoil, with his approval ratings plummeting and daily protests continuing despite freezing temperatures. Observers now question the future of Yoon’s presidency and the stability of South Korea’s government.
