Official announcements from the South Korean government

Ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Arrested for Treason Over South Korea's Martial Law Crisis

Dec 8, 2024, 01:20 AM

South Korean prosecutors have arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on charges of treason related to his alleged involvement in President Yoon Suk-yeol's brief and controversial declaration of martial law on December 3. Kim is suspected of advising President Yoon to impose martial law, which plunged the country into political turmoil. He was detained after six hours of questioning, with prosecutors citing the risk of evidence destruction, and his mobile phone was confiscated. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the martial law declaration marks a significant escalation in South Korea's political crisis, with treason charges carrying a maximum penalty of death. Kim is the first figure detained over the case.