Amid the circling political tensions in South Korea, the news of a suicide attempt by the nation’s Ex-Defence minister has sent ripples of concern among the people. The South Korean officials confirmed the news to the country’s Parliament that Minister Kim Yong-Hyun made a suicidal attempt while being in custody. Kim Yong-Hyun was accused of involvement in a failed martial law attempt that happened on 3rd December.
Kim Yong-Hyun Made a Suicide Attempt
On Wednesday, Commissioner General of the Korea Correctional Service, Shin Yong Hae informed the lawmakers that Kim tried to end his life at a detention center in Seoul. He added that Kim’s move failed after the center’s officials stopped him. Shing also stated that following Kim’s ‘failed attempt for suicide’ he is now in a protective cell and his medical condition is stable.
Why is Kim Yong-Hyun in Police Custody?
Kim who has now resigned from his position, holds a key role in the martial law implementation. Information from a senior military authority and documents presented by the opposition party suggests that Kim is the one who proposed this measure to President Yoon. The prosecutors requested an arrest warrant against Kim claiming his alleged engagement in “insurrection” and misusing his power to obstruct rights when martial law was in effect for six hours.
After the Seoul Central District Court approval, Kim was arrested, marking him the first person to be arrested formally in the 3rd December Martial law case. “We considered the degree to which the charges are supported, the gravity of the crime and concerns he will destroy evidence,” the court stated while issuing the warrant. Additionally, President Yoon, who survived an impeachment bid, has been booked as a suspect and barred from traveling overseas.
The Arrest of Cho Ji-Ho and Kim Bong-Sik
Following the arrest of Kim, the police chief and the national police commissioner of South Korea were also arrested. According to the officials, Cho Ji-ho (Commissioner-General of the Korean National Police Agency) and Kim Bong-sik (Head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency) were taken into police custody in connection with an investigation into the failed martial law decree.
Both the officers were arrested at around 3:50 (local time) without a warrant on insurrection charges. On a separate note, South Korean police conducted a raid on the presidential office on Wednesday.
“The Special Investigation Team has conducted a raid on the presidential office, the National Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and the National Assembly Security Service,” the unit stated. The raid was part of an expanding investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial and brief declaration of martial law that triggered massive public outrage across the country.
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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