Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun faces serious rebellion charges in the aftermath of President Yoon Suk-yeol's controversial martial law declaration.
According to Breitbart, Kim attempted to take his own life on Tuesday night while in police detention, just hours before his formal arrest was to be announced on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Center, where corrections officers intervened to prevent Kim from completing the suicide attempt. Chief Corrections Officer Shin Yong-hae confirmed that Kim is now under isolation and observation following the incident.
Army Special Warfare commander Kwak Jong-keun provided crucial testimony before the National Assembly regarding martial law implementation. His statements revealed direct orders from Kim to prevent legislators from gathering and even suggested forcibly removing lawmakers from the assembly chamber. The testimony exposed the extent of planned military intervention in civilian governance.
Military counterintelligence commander Kim Dae-woo's testimony further implicated high-ranking officials in the crisis. He disclosed discussions about potentially incarcerating lawmakers in a Seoul army bunker, linking Kim's ally Yeo In-hyung to the controversial plans. These revelations have led to suspensions and potential rebellion charges for multiple senior officers.
The investigation has expanded rapidly since Kim's initial arrest. Both National Police Chief Cho Ji-ho and Seoul Police Chief Kim Bong-sik have been arrested, indicating the widespread nature of the attempted power grab. The prosecutors now have twenty days to decide on formal indictments.
President Yoon Suk-yeol's administration faces mounting pressure as investigations continue. Police have executed a search warrant on Yoon's office, naming him as a suspect in the investigation. The president has not been seen in public since Saturday and remains under a travel ban.
Kim issued a statement taking full responsibility for the martial law crisis. He expressed his position regarding the military personnel involved:
I deeply apologizes for causing significant anxiety and inconvenience. Please show leniency to the soldiers who were merely following orders.
The National Assembly, controlled by the opposition Democratic Party, has launched a comprehensive probe into the crisis. The investigation has revealed disturbing details about the planned suppression of legislative authority and the potential use of military force against civilian leadership.
The situation has triggered a constitutional crisis that threatens to reshape South Korean politics. With another impeachment vote scheduled for Saturday, Yoon's political future hangs in the balance. The impeachment motion requires only eight members of Yoon's People Power Party to vote with the opposition for success.
Several PPP members have indicated their willingness to support the impeachment, marking a significant shift from their previous boycott. The potential defection of ruling party members suggests growing dissatisfaction with Yoon's leadership and the severity of the martial law crisis.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun's suicide attempt in detention marks a dramatic development in South Korea's martial law crisis. His involvement in planning military intervention against the National Assembly, including orders to physically prevent legislators from voting, led to his arrest on rebellion charges.
The investigation has expanded to include President Yoon Suk-yeol, who faces a second impeachment vote on Saturday. With multiple high-ranking officials already arrested and more facing potential charges, the crisis represents a critical test of South Korea's democratic institutions and constitutional processes.
