South Korean prosecutors have arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun in connection with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief and controversial declaration of martial law last Tuesday, Reuters reported. Kim, who resigned from his post on Wednesday, is accused of proposing the martial law order, which sparked widespread backlash.
The declaration, aimed at addressing “anti-state forces” and political opposition, was rescinded just six hours later following a unanimous parliamentary vote against it. Despite this, the episode has plunged the country into a significant political crisis, with opposition parties filing charges of treason against President Yoon, Kim, and martial law commander Park An-su.
Kim appeared voluntarily at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office early Sunday morning and is now under a travel ban as investigations proceed. The national police are also looking into allegations of treason involving Yoon and his top officials.
The incident has shaken South Korea’s democratic standing, with critics calling for Yoon’s resignation despite his survival of an impeachment vote on Saturday.
