Dec 10, 2024 - Politics & Policy

South Korea's detained ex-defense minister tried to kill himself, official says

Rebecca Falconer

South Korean Defense Kim Yong-hyun speaks during a news conference in Washington D.C., on October 31, 2024. — South Korean then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun speaks during a news conference in Washington D.C., on October 31, 2024. Photo: Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images

South Korea's former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was accused of involvement in a failed martial law attempt, tried to kill himself inside a detention center, per multiple reports citing a prison official.

The big picture: Kim was moved to a "protective cell" following the attempt, Korea Correctional Service head Shin Yong-hae told lawmakers during a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday Seoul time, Yonhap News Agency reports.

State of play: The former defense minister has been in detention since being arrested on insurrection charges on Sunday following the martial law declaration that President Yoon Suk Yeol declared on Dec. 3 and retracted after about six hours.

Kim is in stable condition following the suicide attempt, Shin said, per multiple reports.
Yoon remains under investigation for the incident and is now under a South Korean Justice Ministry-imposed travel ban.
South Korean police said they deployed officers to search Yoon's office as part of the investigation.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Ayuda disponible en español.

Go deeper: South Korean president hit with travel ban after martial law mayhem

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

Add Axios on Google

South Korea's detained ex-defense minister tried to kill himself, official says

What to read next