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Ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Tries to Hang Himself in Custody Over Martial Law Plot

Dec 11, 2024, 03:43 AM

South Korea's former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide last night while in custody at the Eastern Detention Center, according to Justice Ministry official Shin Yong-hae. Kim, who was formally arrested on insurrection charges after allegedly proposing the imposition of martial law to President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3, tried to hang himself in his cell. He has been transferred to a public health facility. Kim is accused of playing a leading role in the failed bid to impose martial law and is considered President Yoon's right-hand man in the plan. He had skipped his arrest warrant hearing earlier.