Former South Korean Defense Chief Detained for Imposing Martial Law
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In a shocking turn of events, South Korean prosecutors have detained a former defense minister for his alleged role in recommending the imposition of martial law to President Yoon Suk Yeol. This marks the first detention in connection with the recent martial law controversy that has gripped the nation.
Details of the Detention
The former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun voluntarily appeared at a Seoul prosecutors’ office on Sunday, where he was detained after having his mobile phone confiscated. Reports indicate that Kim was then moved to a Seoul detention center, with police conducting searches at his former office and residence.
Background and Context
Kim Yong Hyun’s detention comes on the heels of President Yoon avoiding an opposition-led impeachment bid in parliament. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party has vowed to prepare a new impeachment motion against Yoon, further escalating the political turmoil in South Korea.
Implications and Reactions
The imposition of martial law by Yoon’s administration, which saw special forces troops encircling the National Assembly building, has been met with widespread criticism. The Democratic Party has labeled it as “unconstitutional” and filed complaints against several individuals, including Yoon and Kim, for alleged rebellion.
As investigations into the matter continue, the Defense Ministry has suspended three top military commanders over their involvement in the martial law imposition. The ruling party has pledged transparency in the investigations, while the opposition calls for the immediate arrest of all implicated individuals.
In a bid to address the escalating crisis, President Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, promising not to make another attempt to impose it and accepting legal and political responsibility for the declaration. The situation remains fluid as South Korea navigates through this unprecedented political turmoil.
This detention of the former defense minister underscores the deepening crisis facing President Yoon’s administration and raises questions about the future of leadership in South Korea. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
