Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in a prison in Seoul, where he is being held on sedition charges in connection with the martial law investigation that President Yoon Suk-yeol declared on December 3 and withdrew a few hours later due to Parliament's rejection.
The news was reported by the Yonhap news agency, citing the head of the penitentiary, Shin Yong-hae, as saying during a parliamentary hearing.
Kim, who is believed to be the central figure in the declaration of martial law, is being held in isolation and his health remains stable.
South Korea's national police chief and Seoul's national police chief have been arrested for their roles in enforcing the short-lived martial law decree.
Local media recall that the development occurred only a few hours after the submission of a new impeachment motion against Yoon by the opposition led by the Democratic Party. (A2 Televizion)