South Korean ex-defense minister arrested over martial law declaration

December 8, 2024 — South Korean prosecutors have arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun in connection with the country’s brief martial law declaration this week. Kim, who resigned on Wednesday, voluntarily appeared at the Seoul prosecutor’s office, where he was arrested. His phone was seized, and his home and former office were searched on Sunday.

The arrest follows a failed impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol in parliament, where opposition lawmakers could not secure the necessary two-thirds majority. The Democratic Party of Korea plans to introduce a new impeachment motion.

Meanwhile, three opposition parties have filed a complaint against Yoon, Kim, and martial law commander Park An-su, accusing them of treason. The Defense Ministry has suspended three senior military commanders over their involvement in enforcing martial law.

Yoon's controversial actions have triggered a political crisis in South Korea, undermining the country’s democratic image and straining its relationship with the U.S.