South Korea ex-minister attempts suicide using underwear over failed martial law

The incident comes as police has intensified their investigation, which includes a search of President Yoon Suk Yeol's office.

In Short

• Incident happened amid investigation into failed martial law imposition
• Authorities thwarted the suicide attempt
• Kim used underwear for the suicide attempt before formal arrest

Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of playing a lead role in the failed imposition of martial law on December 3, attempted to die by suicide inside a detention center on Wednesday (December 11), a justice ministry official informed parliament.

Authorities intervened and prevented the suicide attempt. The incident comes as police has intensified their investigation, which includes a search of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office.

According to a report by news agency Reuters, the former defence minister used underwear to attempt suicide before his formal arrest at the detention centre.

The commissioner general of Korea Correctional Service, Shin Yong-hae, said the incident took place in a bathroom. When a prison officer opened the bathroom door, Kim gave up on the attempt, Shin added.

Kim, one of South Korean President Yoon’s close associates, has been accused of recommending martial law to Yoon and sending troops to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting on it.

The incident occurred just over a week after South Korean President Yoon declared martial law in a surprise TV address on December 3. He accused the main opposition party of sympathising with North Korea and engaging in “anti-state activities.” That night, security forces dramatically broke windows in the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from gathering.

However, within six hours, President Yoon was forced to revoke the decree as lawmakers pushed past soldiers into parliament to overturn it.

Police have also launched an investigation into Yoon and other top officials on treason allegations. And on Tuesday, lawmakers approved a special council to investigate whether Yoon committed insurrection and abused his power by issuing martial law.

A conviction on the charge of rebellion carries a maximum death sentence.