South Korea's former defense minister attempts suicide before facing martial law charges
Kim Yong-hyun has reportedly attempted suicide amidst the presidential office's raid following the martial law event in South Korea. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Kim Yong-hyun is facing accusations of conspiring to incite an insurrection alongside President Yoon Suk Yeol last week.
Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, identified by prosecutors as the individual who suggested the declaration of martial law last week, has reportedly attempted to take his own life while in custody.
At approximately the same time, South Korean police executed a raid on the presidential office on Wednesday, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
This search is a part of an expanding investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration, which has generated significant public outrage throughout the country.
Kim, who resigned on Thursday, became the first individual detained in connection with the case on Sunday. Prosecutors allege that he recommended implementing martial law. According to police, Kim reportedly attempted suicide in a bathroom at Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency responders received a call around 3 PM local time regarding the situation. The former minister had allegedly tried to hang himself and was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Officials have not commented on possible motives for his attempted suicide. A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense remarked, “We are monitoring the situation closely and hope for his recovery.”
Kim's time as defense minister included notable military reforms and escalated tensions with North Korea. Recently, he had also been under investigation for potential corruption.
On the previous Tuesday, President Yoon declared martial law, alleging that the opposition was preparing a "rebellion" and displayed sympathy towards North Korea.
Shortly thereafter, lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke the decree, which led to widespread protests against Yoon's actions. The following day, Yoon canceled the declaration.
The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, announced plans to pursue impeachment against him. Yoon narrowly averted impeachment when members of his People Power Party boycotted the vote on Saturday.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, identified by prosecutors as the individual who suggested the declaration of martial law last week, has reportedly attempted to take his own life while in custody.
At approximately the same time, South Korean police executed a raid on the presidential office on Wednesday, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
This search is a part of an expanding investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief martial law declaration, which has generated significant public outrage throughout the country.
Kim, who resigned on Thursday, became the first individual detained in connection with the case on Sunday. Prosecutors allege that he recommended implementing martial law. According to police, Kim reportedly attempted suicide in a bathroom at Dongbu Detention Center in eastern Seoul on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency responders received a call around 3 PM local time regarding the situation. The former minister had allegedly tried to hang himself and was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Officials have not commented on possible motives for his attempted suicide. A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense remarked, “We are monitoring the situation closely and hope for his recovery.”
Kim's time as defense minister included notable military reforms and escalated tensions with North Korea. Recently, he had also been under investigation for potential corruption.
On the previous Tuesday, President Yoon declared martial law, alleging that the opposition was preparing a "rebellion" and displayed sympathy towards North Korea.
Shortly thereafter, lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke the decree, which led to widespread protests against Yoon's actions. The following day, Yoon canceled the declaration.
The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, announced plans to pursue impeachment against him. Yoon narrowly averted impeachment when members of his People Power Party boycotted the vote on Saturday.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
