Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun arrested for his role in the failed coup, attempts suicide in jail

Kim Yong Hyun, the former Defence Minister of South Korea, has attempted to take his own life, local media has reported. Hyun, who was arrested for his role in declaring the imposition of martial law in South Korea by President Yoon Suk Yeol, is said to be in a stable condition after attempting suicide in a detention facility.

Kim Yong Hyun was detained on Sunday

The 65-year-old was detained on Sunday and formally arrested on Tuesday on charges of insurrection over President Yeol's six-hour martial law imposition in the country last week.

CREDIT: REUTERS

The former three-star army general, who served as the Chief of the Presidential Security Service, was the most high-profile arrest to be made in South Korea for the botched coup that saw the Korean Army nearly entering the National Assembly.

Kim Yong Hyun's role in imposing martial law

Hyun, who was made the Defence Minister of South Korea in September this year, had announced his resignation on December 5, two days after the martial law fiasco, and apologised to the nation for his role in the chaos.

CREDIT: REUTERS

It was later revealed that it was Hyun who had recommended President Yeol declare martial law in the country.

Kim Yong Hyun apologises to Korean people

Owning up to his role in declaring martial law, Hyun, in a statement issued through his lawyers, "deeply apologised" to the South Korean people and said that his subordinates were "merely following my orders and fulfilling their assigned duties."

President survives impeachment, barred from leaving country

President Yoon, who tried to impose martial law in a desperate bid to cling to power by silencing the opposition-controlled National Assembly, failed in the mission due to the resilience of ordinary Koreans, who blocked the military from arresting the MPs.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Though he survived an impeachment motion, thanks to members of Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotting the vote, he, along with several others who were involved in declaring martial law, including the country's interior minister, martial law commander General Park An-su, and top police officials, has been barred from leaving South Korea.

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