South Korea’s former defence minister tries to end his life amid martial law scandal
PTC Web Desk: South Korea's political landscape has been shaken by the arrest and attempted suicide of former Defence Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, accused of recommending martial law to President Yoon Suk Yeol. According to the Associated Press, Kim tried to end his life using his undergarment at a detention centre, hours before his formal arrest. Justice Minister Park Sung Jae confirmed the incident during a parliamentary committee meeting.
The police intervened during a search at the presidential office on Wednesday, preventing Kim Yong-Hyun's suicide attempt. The former defence minister was arrested later that day, following a court-issued warrant, for allegedly orchestrating a rebellion and aiding President Yoon’s abuse of power.
Kim is accused of deploying armed forces to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting against the president's martial law declaration. Despite the military intervention, lawmakers managed to convene before dawn on December 4, successfully lifting the martial law.
Addressing the public on Tuesday, Kim Yong-Hyun expressed regret, saying, “I deeply apologise for causing significant anxiety to the people.” He admitted full responsibility for the situation and pleaded for leniency towards the soldiers he deployed to enforce martial law.
The prosecutors now have up to 20 days to decide whether to formally indict Kim. A conviction for rebellion in South Korea carries a maximum death penalty.
President Yoon’s response
Amid mounting public outcry, President Yoon Suk Yeol apologised for the turmoil caused by the martial law crisis but refrained from resigning, leaving his political fate to his party’s decision. “I will accept political and legal responsibility,” Yoon stated on Saturday.
Leaders from the ruling party have indicated plans for Yoon’s smooth exit from office, with efforts to manage the country’s governance in coordination with cabinet members. Yoon is expected to be sidelined from his presidential duties while his political future is deliberated.
Investigative agencies are probing whether President Yoon, Kim Yong-Hyun, and other associates were involved in a rebellion. The allegations, if proven, could lead to severe legal consequences, including the death penalty.
This scandal marks a critical moment in South Korea's political history, with the fallout likely to influence the nation’s governance and international standing.
- PTC NEWS
