Former South Korean Defense Minister Arrested Amid Martial Law Controversy

South Korea’s former Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, was arrested on Sunday as prosecutors launched an investigation into his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s contentious imposition of martial law last week, The New York Times reported. The move, which lasted only six hours, has triggered political turmoil in the country, including an opposition-led impeachment attempt and widespread protests.

Kim’s arrest, the first in the unfolding probe, came under “emergency arrest” provisions, which allow authorities to detain individuals suspected of serious crimes who may flee or tamper with evidence. Prosecutors now have two days to seek a formal court warrant.

President Yoon declared martial law last week, citing a need to eliminate “shameless North Korean followers and anti-state forces” within the National Assembly. The move resulted in the deployment of soldiers and police to the legislature, sparking allegations from opposition leaders that Yoon and his allies committed insurrection.

Kim, who resigned following the martial law announcement, admitted in an interview prior to his arrest that he had supported Yoon’s decision, though he claimed the actions followed legal procedures. Despite this, Lt. General Kwak Jong-geun, one of three Army lieutenant generals suspended during the investigation, stated that Kim had ordered the removal of lawmakers opposed to martial law—a directive Kwak says he refused to follow.

Yoon’s martial law declaration has intensified his already fraught relationship with the opposition, which has demanded an independent investigation into alleged corruption involving the president’s wife. Although Yoon apologized for what he described as a “desperate” action and left his future in the hands of his ruling People Power Party (PPP), the PPP’s boycott of an impeachment vote ensured his survival in office.

The controversy has led to calls for Yoon’s resignation from both opposition and PPP leaders. In response, the Defense Ministry has suspended three generals and banned ten military officials from leaving the country, while investigations continue into their involvement in the crisis.

President Yoon has remained silent since the failed impeachment attempt. Meanwhile, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has announced the party’s intention to push for Yoon’s early resignation, signaling further political uncertainty ahead.