South Korea’s former Defense Minister attempts to take his own life, official says, amid martial law political crisis

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Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has attempted to end his own life while in custody, the commissioner general of Korea Correctional Service said Wednesday.

Kim was detained in Seoul on Sunday, days after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning but short-lived declaration of martial law sparked a political crisis and widespread public anger in the country.

Kim allegedly recommended the imposition of martial law and was the first figure detained over the case.

Shin Yong-hae, the Commissioner General of Korea Correctional Service, said Kim made the attempt before a formal arrest warrant was issued late Tuesday.

He has been moved to an isolation room and has no health issues, Shin said.

This is a developing story and will be updated.