South Korea's former defense minister attempted suicide while in detention after being arrested for his involvement in a controversial martial law decree. Officials confirmed that detention center staff prevented the attempt, and the ex-minister, now in stable condition, remains under investigation.
Kim Yong Hyun, arrested earlier on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, is the first person formally detained in connection with the martial law order issued on December 3. The decree, which temporarily paralyzed South Korea's government and economy, has triggered nationwide political unrest and investigations into the roles of top officials, including President Yoon Suk Yeol.
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Authorities are intensifying their probe, with police raiding Yoon’s office on Wednesday. Opposition lawmakers plan to resubmit a motion to impeach the president following a failed attempt last Saturday. The Democratic Party alleges Yoon's martial law order was unconstitutional, accusing him and several officials of rebellion.
Military commanders have testified that Yoon directly ordered troops to obstruct lawmakers from overturning the decree, while counterintelligence officials claim plans were discussed to detain political opponents. The decree, ultimately annulled by parliament on December 4, faced widespread condemnation for bypassing constitutional provisions and violating democratic norms.
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If impeachment proceedings succeed, Yoon’s powers would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court ruling. A dismissal from office would necessitate a new presidential election.
The turmoil has drawn attention internationally, with North Korea’s state media reporting on the unrest, a rare move seen as an attempt to frame the protests as a reflection of instability in South Korea. Meanwhile, critics argue that Yoon's declaration of martial law amid ongoing political disputes was an overreach, further deepening divisions in one of Asia's leading democracies.