South Korea’s ex-defence minister attempts suicide amid martial law scandal
Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, embroiled in a controversy over a failed attempt to impose martial law, has reportedly tried to take his own life, according to officials.
Kim, who was detained on charges of insurrection, was found attempting suicide in his detention centre on Tuesday night, Shin Yong-hae, head of the justice ministry’s correctional agency, revealed to lawmakers. He is now in stable condition following the incident.
The ex-minister had resigned last week along with other senior presidential aides after President Yoon’s abrupt martial law order triggered a national outcry. Tens of thousands of protesters have since taken to the streets demanding Yoon’s resignation and impeachment.
Kim, appointed defence minister in September, publicly accepted full responsibility for the crisis, issuing a statement apologising “deeply” and insisting that “all responsibility for this situation lies solely with me.”
The martial law decree, although short-lived, has sparked widespread fury in South Korea. President Yoon himself faces an investigation into alleged insurrection and has apologised for the declaration. However, he has so far resisted mounting calls to step down.
