8-12-2024 (SEOUL) Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning, marking a dramatic escalation in the investigation of last week’s controversial martial law declaration that has thrown the nation into political turmoil.
Prosecutors arrested Kim following questioning at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, where he had arrived voluntarily at approximately 1:30 AM local time. The former minister is believed to have played a pivotal role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s shocking decision to impose martial law on Tuesday, a move that sparked a constitutional crisis in one of Asia’s most stable democracies.
The arrest comes mere days after Kim tendered his resignation amidst mounting pressure over his alleged involvement in crafting the martial law proposal. Military sources and opposition lawmakers have identified him as the architect behind the unprecedented measure, which granted sweeping powers to the military.
Despite surviving Saturday’s impeachment vote in parliament, President Yoon faces growing calls to resign, including from within his own party. The brief implementation of martial law—which lasted just six hours before being rescinded—has triggered multiple investigations, with both prosecutors and national police examining potential treason charges against the president and senior officials.
Three opposition parties have filed formal complaints accusing Yoon, Kim, and martial law commander Park An-su of treason. The prosecutors have imposed a travel ban on Kim as their investigation continues.
The political crisis, unprecedented in recent South Korean history, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s democratic institutions. President Yoon’s attempt to deploy military forces to combat what he termed “anti-state forces” and political opponents has raised serious concerns about democratic stability in South Korea, a crucial US ally and the world’s 10th largest economy.
