Seoul: South Korean authorities arrested former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun on Sunday as part of an ongoing investigation into treason allegations tied to the temporary implementation of martial law under President Yoon Suk Yeol. The arrest follows a tumultuous week in South Korea, where the brief enforcement of martial law sparked national outrage and political instability.
Kim, who resigned just days earlier, was reportedly instrumental in advising President Yoon to impose martial law on Tuesday evening. The controversial measure granted sweeping emergency powers to the military to suppress what the president described as “anti-state forces.” However, the order was rescinded just six hours later after strong parliamentary rejection and widespread criticism.
Three minor opposition parties have filed legal complaints against President Yoon, Kim, and martial law commander Park An-Su, accusing them of treason. Kim voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office early Sunday for questioning by a special investigative team and is currently subject to travel restrictions during the inquiry.
The martial law episode has created South Korea’s most severe political crisis in decades, threatening its democratic reputation. President Yoon narrowly avoided impeachment after surviving a parliamentary vote but is under mounting pressure to resign, including from his own party leader.
The national police have launched a parallel investigation into treason charges against Yoon and other senior officials. Critics argue that the president’s martial law declaration undermined democratic principles and highlighted tensions within South Korea’s political and security apparatus.
As Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key US ally, South Korea faces an uncertain political landscape, with this crisis marking a pivotal moment in its modern history.
