South Korea’s former defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, was arrested by prosecutors over his involvement in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law declaration earlier this week. Kim, who resigned from his position on Wednesday, is considered central to the martial law proposal made by President Yoon.
Local media reports indicated that Kim, a key figure in the controversial decision, was questioned by the prosecution after voluntarily appearing at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. His arrest follows allegations from opposition members who filed a complaint accusing him, President Yoon, and martial law commander Park An-su of treason.
Yoon’s martial law declaration, issued on Tuesday, granted sweeping powers to the military to combat “anti-state forces” and block political opposition. However, the decree lasted only six hours after a unanimous parliamentary vote defied the order, leading to a rapid political crisis.
While Yoon survived an impeachment vote, the fallout has sparked intense scrutiny and an ongoing investigation. Kim now faces a travel ban and further investigation. Additionally, the police have raided Kim’s residence and office as part of the inquiry. The situation has also led to the resignation of South Korea’s interior minister, Lee Sang-min, who acknowledged his failure to effectively serve the public and the president.
This event has intensified the political turmoil in South Korea, threatening to undermine the nation’s reputation as a stable democracy and key ally to the United States in the region.
