Sun Dec 08 14:58:24 UTC 2024: ## South Korean Ex-Defense Minister Detained Over Martial Law Declaration

**Seoul, South Korea** – South Korean prosecutors detained former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, for allegedly recommending the brief but controversial imposition of martial law last week. This marks the first arrest related to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial decision.

Kim, who resigned on Thursday, voluntarily appeared at a Seoul prosecutor’s office where he was subsequently detained after having his phone confiscated. Authorities also searched his former office and residence. A 62-member special investigation team has been formed to investigate the matter, vowing a thorough probe.

The detention follows President Yoon’s narrow escape from impeachment on Saturday. Opposition parties, who had submitted an impeachment motion, failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in parliament due to a boycott by the ruling party. However, the opposition plans to submit a new impeachment motion.

Kim is a central figure in the events, having ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly building. The opposition Democratic Party has accused both Kim and President Yoon of “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or a coup,” filing complaints against them and several others. Kim himself has accepted full responsibility for the actions of troops during the martial law period.

The military intervention, which saw special forces surround the National Assembly and army helicopters overhead, was swiftly overturned after parliament voted to repeal President Yoon’s decree. President Yoon has since apologized for the declaration but asserted he would not evade legal or political responsibility.

The incident, the first of its kind in over 40 years, has sparked international concern from allies such as the U.S. and Japan. The political fallout continues, with public support for President Yoon’s impeachment high and the ruling party leader hinting at a managed exit for the president to mitigate further damage. The opposition, however, demands immediate arrest of President Yoon and those implicated. The Defence Ministry has also suspended three top military commanders over their alleged involvement.

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