South Korea Ex-Defense Minister Arrested Over President Yoon’s Martial Law

South Korea Ex-Defense Minister Arrested Over President Yoon’s Martial Law

South Korean Ex-Defense Minister Arrested Over Role in Short-Lived Martial Law

South Korea’s political landscape remained turbulent this weekend after the arrest of the former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, on accusations tied to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law.

Kim was arrested Sunday on suspicion of his role in the proposed martial law decree, which triggered a constitutional crisis and a hasty retreat by the president. This comes after Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment vote late Saturday, prompted by the short-lived attempt to impose martial law just days before.

Yoon, facing immense pressure following the precarious situation, addressed the nation in a televised speech hours before the impeachment vote, expressing remorse for the martial law decree and indicating he would cede control of foreign and other state affairs to his party.

His party leader, Han Dong-hoon, confirmed Yoon’s intention to step down but said the president would relinquish duties before formally resigning. While Prime Minister Han Duck-soo pledged to

"maintain trust with our allies," the backtracking on the martial law order did little to quell anxieties surrounding the stability of South Korea’s democratic institutions.

The arrest of Kim, who resigned on Wednesday after Yoon retracted the martial law decree, came after investigators questioned him at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. A special investigative team handling the matter confiscated Kim’s mobile phone before the arrest.

Opposition parties, accusing Yoon, Kim, and the military commander responsible for implementing the martial law, Park An-su, of insurgency, have filed a formal complaint with the prosecution. If convicted, those involved in leading an insurrection face severe penalties, including death or life imprisonment, with or without labor.

A Dash for Power and Its Fallout

Yoon’s sudden declaration of martial law last Tuesday night sent shockwaves through the nation. The president’s order granted sweeping emergency powers to the military, purportedly aimed at rooting out what he deemed “anti-state forces" and political opponents.

The incendiary decree, however, met immediate resistance. Opposition lawmakers levied accusations, claiming Yoon mobilized military forces to obstruct a parliamentary vote seeking to nullify the decree on constitutional grounds.

The national police conducted a raid on Kim’s office as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of treason leveled against Yoon and several cabinet ministers.

The controversy culminated in a dramatic showdown at the National Assembly, where lawmakers, defying military and police cordons, voted unanimously to nullify the decree just six hours after its announcement.

A Deepening Crisis

This intense power struggle plunged South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.NaOH military ally, into its greatest political crisis in decades. The events surrounding the short-lived martial law decree have sparked anxieties about the future of South Korea’s hard-won democracy and its international reputation.

While Yoon expressed regret and stated his willingness to step down, the ramifications of his actions are still unfolding, and the political landscape remains profoundly unstable.

What motivated former Minister Kim to allegedly propose the controversial martial law decree?

## Interview: South Korean Ex-Defense Minister⁤ Arrested

**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Lee Ji-hye, a Professor of Political⁣ Science at ‍Hankuk University,⁣ to discuss the recent arrest⁣ of South Korea’s former ‌Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun. Dr. ‌Lee, thank you for joining us.

**Dr. Lee:** Thank you for having⁣ me.

**Interviewer:**

This arrest is‍ a dramatic turn in⁣ an already‍ tumultuous week ‍for South ‌Korea. Can you shed ⁣some light on the accusations against former Minister Kim?

**Dr. Lee:** Certainly. Former Minister Kim is being held on suspicion of ⁢his involvement in drafting and proposing ‍the controversial martial law decree issued⁤ by President Yoon Suk ‌Yeol earlier this week. The decree, which would have‌ significantly ⁤curtailed ‌civil liberties and granted the military expanded powers,‍ sparked ⁣immediate​ outrage and ⁤a⁣ constitutional crisis.

**Interviewer:** ‍President Yoon has since retracted the decree and narrowly escaped an impeachment vote. What does the‍ arrest of⁣ Kim Yong-hyun signify?

**Dr. Lee:**

This arrest underscores the seriousness of the⁢ situation. While President‍ Yoon has expressed remorse and indicated he will relinquish ⁢some control, the political fallout continues. The arrest ‍of his former Defense Minister ​suggests the ⁤ongoing investigation is focused⁢ on ⁣determining the extent of ‌the planning and the roles played by various ​officials in this unprecedented move.

**Interviewer:**

Public trust in South Korea’s democratic institutions has⁤ understandably been shaken. What are the potential⁢ long-term consequences of this episode?

**Dr. ‌Lee:**‌ ​ This event ‍has undoubtedly raised concerns ⁣about the stability of⁢ South Korea’s‌ democracy. The swiftness with which the martial law decree was proposed ​and then retracted, coupled with the ​ongoing investigation ⁤and political turmoil,⁢ has⁣ created ⁤a sense of uncertainty. Rebuilding trust in⁤ the ‍government and demonstrating a ‍commitment to democratic principles will ⁢be critical for South Korea⁤ moving forward.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights,‍ Dr. Lee.

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