A deepening political crisis in South Korea has led to a series of dramatic events, including an attempted suicide by a former defense minister and the arrest of high-ranking police officials.
According to Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner general of Korea Correctional Service, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted to end his own life while in custody on Tuesday. The incident occurred in a bathroom, and Kim gave up on the attempt when a corrections officer opened the door.
The political crisis in South Korea began on December 3 when President Yoon declared martial law, claiming it was necessary to protect the nation from enemies within. However, he backtracked on the declaration within hours, sparking widespread public anger and opposition.
Kim had been detained in Seoul on Sunday, becoming the first figure detained in connection with the martial law declaration.
In a related development, South Korean police raided President Yoon’s office on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the martial law declaration. The National Investigation Headquarters Emergency Martial Special Consecution Team entered the presidential office to conduct a seizure and search.
Additionally, South Korean police arrested National Police Commissioner Cho Ji Ho and Seoul Police Chief Kim Bong Sik on Wednesday morning as part of the investigation.
President Yoon has been barred from leaving the country as prosecutors consider possible insurrection charges. Opposition lawmakers have also sought his impeachment, but lawmakers from his party have declined to join in the vote, leaving him in power.
