South Korea’s former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is accused of playing a lead role in last week’s failed imposition of martial law, tried to kill himself on Wednesday while in detention, a justice ministry official told parliament.
Shin Yong-hae, commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service, told lawmakers on Wednesday that Kim was stopped from attempting suicide at a detention centre in Seoul. He said the former defence chief was now in a stable condition.
Kim resigned last Thursday and was formally arrested late on Tuesday after a Seoul court approved a warrant for him on charges including “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights”.
Shin said Kim had tried to kill himself in the toilet of Seoul Dongbu Detention Centre shortly before midnight.
“A control room staff member intervened, and when they opened the door, he immediately gave up the attempt,” said Shin, adding that Kim was now under protection in a secure cell and in good health.
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South Korea’s defence minister resigns after advising martial law troop deployment
South Korea’s defence minister resigns after advising martial law troop deployment
The Seoul Central District Court said in a statement on Wednesday that Kim had been arrested amid concerns that evidence might be destroyed.