SEOUL, South Korea — Authorities in South Korea have taken a former defense minister into custody following his alleged suggestion to President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding the unexpected martial law that was briefly implemented last week. This development marks the first arrest connected to the unfolding situation, according to news sources.
The former minister’s detention occurred shortly after President Yoon managed to avoid an impeachment effort spearheaded by opposition parties during a parliamentary session. Many members of the ruling party opted not to participate in a vote, which would have required a two-thirds majority to restrict Yoon’s presidential powers. In response, the liberal opposition Democratic Party has vowed to introduce another impeachment motion against the president.
Ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun voluntarily reported to a prosecutor’s office in Seoul, where he had his mobile device confiscated before being taken into custody. Subsequent reports indicated Kim was transferred to a detention facility in Seoul while police conducted searches at his previous workplace and home.
Efforts to reach the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office for comments were unsuccessful. An inquiry to the detention facility was cut off by a staff member.
President Yoon had accepted Kim’s resignation just a few days prior, coinciding with the opposition filing a separate impeachment motion against him. Kim was a pivotal figure in the controversial military action that led to special forces surrounding the National Assembly and army helicopters hovering in the area. The situation defused when the assembly voted unanimously to rescind Yoon’s declaration, requiring the Cabinet to retract it by early Wednesday.
The Democratic Party’s impeachment motion included accusations against Kim for allegedly suggesting the martial law to Yoon. The leader of the ruling party echoed similar sentiments regarding Kim’s involvement. The Vice Defense Minister testified in parliament that Kim Yong Hyun had ordered troop deployments to the National Assembly during the event.
The opposition has characterized the martial law imposition as “unconstitutional” and has filed police complaints against several individuals, including Yoon and Kim, alleging rebellion. In a statement disseminated by the Defense Ministry, Kim accepted full responsibility for the military actions, stating that “all troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions.”
Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung addressed reporters, announcing plans to examine the allegations of rebellion against Yoon, following the opposition’s complaints. While sitting presidents usually enjoy immunity from legal actions, this does not apply to accusations of rebellion or treason, leaving uncertainty about how the investigation into Yoon will proceed.
In light of the martial law controversy, the Defense Ministry has suspended three high-ranking military leaders tied to the actions taken. These commanders are among those who face rebellion allegations as raised by opposition parties.
On Saturday, President Yoon publicly apologized for the martial law declaration, insisting he will not evade legal or political accountability for the decree. He assured that there would be no repeat of such a situation, indicating that he would leave the ongoing political crisis and discussions about his presidency to his party.
Since his inauguration in 2022, Yoon has faced challenges in advancing his agenda in an opposition-dominated parliament and has struggled with low approval ratings, exacerbated by controversies involving himself and his wife. In announcing the martial law, he labeled the parliament a “den of criminals” hindering state affairs, vowing to eliminate “anti-state forces and shameless North Korea supporters.”
This instance of martial law marks a significant occurrence in South Korea, being the first such declaration in over four decades. The political turmoil has drawn concern from international partners, including the U.S. and Japan, intensifying demands for Yoon’s removal and deepening instability in South Korea. Recent public opinion surveys indicate substantial support among citizens for Yoon’s impeachment, showcasing the growing unrest and dissatisfaction. Despite criticism from his own ruling party, the People Power Party seems reluctant to support impeachment efforts, likely due to fears of surrendering control of the presidency to liberal opponents.
