Kim Yong-hyun, South Korea’s former defence minister, attempted to take his own life while in detention following a controversial martial law declaration. Authorities discovered him during the attempt on Tuesday night, and he is now in stable condition.
Kim had resigned last week, alongside other top officials, after the failed martial law order issued by the president sparked widespread outrage. Detained on Sunday, he was formally arrested on charges of insurrection.
The incident has intensified public anger, with tens of thousands protesting and demanding the president’s resignation or impeachment. While the president has apologised for the martial law declaration, he has resisted calls to step down.
Kim, appointed as defence minister in September, expressed deep regret and took full responsibility for the situation in a statement, saying, “All responsibility for this situation lies solely with me.”
The fallout from the martial law scandal continues to unfold, with investigations and public protests escalating.
