South Korea's former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has attempted to take his own life while in detention, following his arrest over a controversial martial law declaration. This incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the intense political turmoil that has gripped South Korea in recent weeks.
Kim Yong-hyun, a close confidant of President Yoon Suk Yeol, was arrested on charges of insurrection and abuse of power after allegedly playing a pivotal role in recommending and attempting to enforce martial law.
The declaration, made by President Yoon on December 3, 2024, was retracted just six hours later amid widespread backlash and political chaos. It marked the first time in over four decades that martial law had been declared in South Korea, a move that many have criticized as unconstitutional.
The former defense minister's suicide attempt occurred late Tuesday night at a detention center in Seoul. According to officials, Kim used a shirt and underwear in his attempt but was stopped by correctional officers.
He was subsequently moved to a "protective cell" to prevent further attempts on his life. Shin Yong-hae, head of the Korea Correctional Service, confirmed during a parliamentary hearing that Kim was in stable condition following the incident.
Kim's arrest and subsequent suicide attempt are part of a broader investigation into the failed martial law declaration. Prosecutors have up to 20 days to decide whether to formally indict him. The investigation is focused on determining whether Kim, President Yoon, and other officials involved in the martial law imposition committed acts of rebellion, which could carry severe penalties, including the death penalty.
The martial law declaration itself was a response to what President Yoon described as a need to eliminate "shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces," referring to his liberal rivals who control the parliament. However, opposition parties and legal experts argue that the declaration was unconstitutional, as martial law can only be declared during wartime or similar emergencies, conditions that were not present at the time.
The political fallout from the martial law attempt has been massive. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party is pushing for a new motion to impeach President Yoon, following a failed impeachment attempt last Saturday.
The party plans to submit the new motion on Thursday, with a vote expected on Saturday. If successful, Yoon's presidential powers would be suspended pending a decision by the Constitutional Court on whether to restore his powers or remove him from office.
The situation has also strained South Korea's foreign relations and rattled financial markets. North Korea's state media reported on the political chaos for the first time, labeling President Yoon a "traitor" and his military "gangsters." Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its commitment to the U.S.-South Korean alliance, emphasizing the importance of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
President Yoon has faced near-constant friction with the Democratic Party since taking office in 2022. His administration has been marred by scandals and political offensives from the opposition, leading to a tense and polarized political climate.
In the wake of the martial law debacle, Yoon apologized for the decree and stated that he would not avoid legal or political responsibility for it. He has left it to his party to navigate the political turmoil, including matters related to his term in office.
The Justice Ministry has imposed travel bans on President Yoon and several senior officials involved in the martial law attempt as investigations continue. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho reiterated that Yoon remains in charge of the military, despite the ongoing crisis.
Comments