South Korean prosecutors have detained former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun in connection with the recent imposition of martial law, marking a significant development in a political crisis that has roiled the nation. Kim, who allegedly proposed the controversial decree to President Yoon Suk Yeol, was taken into custody on Sunday, making him the first high-ranking official detained over the incident, according to local media reports.
Kim voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, where his mobile phone was confiscated before being transferred to a detention center. Authorities also searched his former office and residence. Prosecutors and detention officials have yet to issue formal statements on the matter.
The detention comes days after President Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment, as his ruling People Power Party boycotted a parliamentary vote to prevent the opposition from reaching the two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. Despite this, the opposition Democratic Party has vowed to file a fresh impeachment motion.
Martial Law and Political Turmoil
The martial law declaration earlier this week saw troops encircle the National Assembly and helicopters hover over the building, prompting immediate backlash. Parliament unanimously overturned the decree, forcing Yoon’s Cabinet to rescind it by early Wednesday morning.
Kim has been accused by opposition lawmakers of orchestrating the martial law order and directing troop deployments to the National Assembly. The Defense Ministry has suspended three senior military commanders implicated in the event.
Read: South Korean president apologises for imposing martial law
In a statement issued through the Defense Ministry, Kim took full responsibility for the military’s actions, stating, “All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.”
Charges and Investigation
The Democratic Party has labeled the martial law declaration an unconstitutional rebellion or coup, filing legal complaints against at least nine individuals, including Yoon and Kim. Under South Korean law, sitting presidents are mostly immune from prosecution, except in cases of rebellion or treason, leaving open the possibility of further investigations into Yoon’s actions.
Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung confirmed plans to investigate rebellion charges following the opposition's formal complaints. Meanwhile, President Yoon issued an apology on Saturday, pledging accountability and promising not to pursue another attempt at martial law.
Political and Public Reaction
The martial law declaration—the first in South Korea in over 40 years—has plunged the nation into political chaos, drawing criticism domestically and internationally. Yoon justified the decree by accusing parliament of obstructing state affairs and harboring "anti-state forces."
Public sentiment appears to favor impeachment, with recent surveys showing widespread support for Yoon's ouster. His approval ratings have been further damaged by scandals involving himself and his wife, as well as criticism from his own party over the martial law imposition.
The crisis has alarmed South Korea's allies, including the United States and Japan, and deepened divisions within the ruling conservative People Power Party, which has so far resisted calls for Yoon's impeachment.
Read more: South Korean President Yoon under fire for Martial Law declaration
As protests intensify and political uncertainty grows, the detainment of Kim Yong Hyun marks a pivotal moment in South Korea’s ongoing political upheaval.
Source: With inputs from agencies