South Korea’s Former Defense Chief Attempts Suicide Ahead of Martial Law Charges

South Korea’s former defense chief has reportedly attempted suicide as he faces impending charges related to the imposition of martial law during pro-democracy protests. The incident has raised concerns over the country’s political climate.

Kim Yong-hyun, the former South Korean Defense Minister who prosecutors claim suggested last week’s martial law declaration, has attempted to take his own life while in custody.

Around the same time, South Korean police conducted a raid on the presidential office on Wednesday, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The search was conducted as part of a broadening investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law, which triggered public outrage across the nation.

Kim, the former Defense Minister who stepped down on Thursday, became the first individual detained in connection to the case as of Sunday. According to prosecutors, he suggested implementing martial law. Police reported that Kim allegedly attempted suicide in a bathroom at Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Yonhap news agency, emergency responders received a call at approximately 3 p.m. local time. It appeared that the former minister had attempted to hang himself and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Authorities have not commented on the possible reasons behind his suicide attempt. A representative from the Ministry of National Defense remarked, “We are keeping a close watch on the situation and are hopeful for his recovery.”

During Kim’s time as defense minister, significant military reforms were implemented and tensions with North Korea increased. Recently, Kim has been investigated for potential corruption.

President Yoon declared martial law last Tuesday, accusing the opposition of planning a “rebellion” and showing sympathy towards North Korea.

Soon after, lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke the decree, leading to thousands of protests against Yoon’s actions. On Wednesday, Yoon annulled the decree.

The Democratic Party, which holds a majority of seats in parliament, announced plans to impeach him. Yoon narrowly escaped impeachment as lawmakers from his People Power Party (PPP) chose to boycott Saturday’s vote.