South Korea’s ex-defence minister attempts suicide amid martial law fallout

Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, at the center of a political crisis sparked by a brief but controversial declaration of martial law, has attempted to take his own life while in detention, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Kim, who was arrested on Sunday in connection with his role in advocating for the martial law declaration on December 3, attempted suicide before a formal arrest warrant was issued late Tuesday, said Shin Yong-hae, the head of South Korea's Correctional Service.

The attempt occurred in a detention center bathroom, but Kim abandoned it when a corrections officer intervened, Shin added.

Kim has since been moved to an isolation room and is in stable condition.

The suicide attempt comes as South Korea remains in the grip of a political crisis.

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of martial law, accusing the opposition of ties to North Korea and "anti-state activities," has led to widespread public outrage.

The decree was swiftly overturned after lawmakers defied soldiers blocking the National Assembly, forcing the president to back down within hours.

The fallout from the martial law declaration has been severe. Yoon faces investigations into potential insurrection, with prosecutors probing whether he violated the constitution.

Opposition lawmakers are pushing for Yoon’s impeachment, with a new motion expected this week.

The National Assembly had previously voted against Yoon’s impeachment after the People Power Party boycotted the vote.

Under South Korea’s constitution, martial law can be nullified by a majority vote in the National Assembly, forcing Yoon to back down.

Kim, who resigned as defense minister following the martial law debacle, admitted responsibility for the military’s actions during the crisis.

"All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me," Kim stated Wednesday.

In addition to Kim, the South Korean Defense Ministry has suspended three senior military officials involved in the martial law attempt.

Meanwhile, the police are investigating Yoon and other top officials for potential treason, with a special council now established to look into allegations of insurrection and abuse of power.

The swift reversal has led to growing calls for the president’s impeachment.

Last Saturday, a vote on impeachment was narrowly avoided when members of Yoon’s People Power Party walked out of the session.

The events leading to the martial law declaration were fueled by growing frustration from President Yoon over the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

Reports indicate that Yoon was enraged by the opposition's blockade of his policy agenda and their approval of a reduced annual budget.

Additionally, he accused the opposition of targeting a senior member of his administration with impeachment proceedings.

Despite these grievances, critics argue that the declaration of martial law — the first in South Korea in four decades — was an extreme and unjustifiable response.

This is a developing story and will be updated.