South Korea In Turmoil: Former Defense Minister Attempts Suicide Amid Martial Law Fallout

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South Korea is grappling with an unprecedented political crisis, as the fallout from President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief and controversial declaration of martial law continues to escalate. In a dramatic turn, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun reportedly attempted to take his own life while in custody, according to Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner general of Korea Correctional Service.

Kim, detained in Seoul on Sunday, is accused of recommending martial law and resigned as defense minister last Thursday. His suicide attempt occurred in a bathroom prior to the issuance of a formal arrest warrant late Tuesday. Shin revealed during a National Assembly briefing that Kim abandoned the attempt after being confronted by a corrections officer. He is now in an isolation room with no reported health concerns.

This incident follows the chaotic events of December 3, when President Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law during a televised address, accusing the opposition Democratic Party of "anti-state activities" and ties to North Korea. The move triggered widespread public outrage and dramatic scenes as security forces broke into the National Assembly to prevent lawmakers from convening.

Within hours, opposition legislators defied military presence, forcing their way into parliament and overturning the decree. President Yoon rescinded the order after just six hours but now faces mounting scrutiny and calls for his resignation.

Mounting Political and Legal Pressure on Yoon

President Yoon is barred from leaving the country as prosecutors consider insurrection charges. Opposition lawmakers are pursuing impeachment, intensifying what has become one of the most significant political showdowns in South Korea's recent history.

Former Special Warfare Command Commander Kwak Jong-geun testified Tuesday that Yoon directly ordered him to "break the doors" of the National Assembly and "drag out" lawmakers. Kwak, fearing potential injuries, refused to comply.

Despite surviving an impeachment vote Saturday—thanks to a boycott by members of his conservative People Power Party—Yoon faces continued calls for resignation. Han Dong-hoon, the party’s leader, has publicly demanded the president step down to ensure “an orderly resolution.” Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is preparing another impeachment motion, with a vote anticipated this weekend.

Military and Police Investigations Intensify

The Defense Ministry has suspended three senior military commanders for their roles in the martial law declaration, while police are investigating allegations of treason against Yoon and other top officials. Lawmakers have also approved a special council to examine whether Yoon abused his power by imposing martial law.

In a statement before his resignation, Kim Yong-hyun took full responsibility for the military’s actions, saying, “All troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.”

South Korea now faces a period of deep uncertainty as its political institutions and public grapple with the fallout from this extraordinary episode. The unfolding events have exposed sharp divisions in the nation, with the potential for lasting repercussions.

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