Official announcements from South Korean judicial authorities or government

South Korea Arrests Ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Treason Charges Over Martial Law

Dec 8, 2024, 04:45 AM

South Korean prosecutors have arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on charges of rebellion related to his involvement in President Yoon Suk-yeol's recent brief declaration of martial law. Kim, who resigned on December 4th following the failed martial law declaration, is the first high-profile figure detained in connection with the case. He reportedly advised President Yoon on the action, allegedly masterminding the crisis alongside him. Kim was detained after voluntarily appearing for six hours of questioning on Sunday, during which prosecutors cited the risk of evidence destruction as a reason for his arrest. The national police also raided Kim's office on Sunday. President Yoon survived an impeachment vote in the opposition-led parliament on Saturday but remains under investigation for his role in the controversial martial law declaration that plunged the country into political turmoil. Opposition parties have called for Yoon to be prosecuted on charges of treason.