South Korea ex-defence minister accused of role in martial law attempts suicide, official says

SEOUL - South Korea’s former defence minister tried to kill himself shortly before

he was formally arrested

over his role in this month’s martial law operation, a senior prisons official said on Dec 11.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec 3 and sent soldiers and helicopters to Parliament but was forced to rescind the decree hours later after lawmakers voted it down.

Defence minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned on Dec 5 and was formally arrested on Dec 10 on charges including “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights”.

During a parliamentary hearing, the commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service said the former minister tried to kill himself minutes before his arrest was announced.

Shortly before midnight, “former Minister of Defence Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Centre,” said Mr Shin Yong-hae.

Adding that he received the report on Dec 11 morning, Mr Shin said Mr Kim had tried to kill himself in the toilet using a string from his clothing.

“A control room staff member intervened, and when they opened the door, he immediately gave up the attempt,” said Mr Shin.

Mr Shin added that Mr Kim was now under protection in a secure cell and in good health.

“The medical examination results indicate that the inmate’s health status is good without any abnormalities, and he is currently living a normal life in the facility,” the justice ministry said in a statement sent to AFP.

Mr Kim had issued an apology on Dec 10, saying through his lawyers that “all responsibility for this situation lies solely with me”.

He “deeply apologised” to the South Korean people and said that his subordinates were “merely following my orders and fulfilling their assigned duties”. AFP