South Korea ex-minister attempts suicide using underwear over failed martial law

Former South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of playing a lead role in the failed imposition of martial law on December 3, attempted suicide inside a detention center on Wednesday (December 11), a justice ministry official informed parliament.

Authorities intervened and prevented the suicide attempt. The incident comes as police has intensified their investigation, which includes a search of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office.

According to a report by news agency Reuters, the former defence minister used underwear to attempt suicide before his formal arrest at the detention centre.

Kim was first detained on Sunday. The suicide attempt took place shortly before he was formally arrested, the justice ministry and a prison official told news agency AFP.