South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, was arrested on Sunday for his alleged involvement in Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law last week, prosecutors confirmed.
The dramatic turn of events follows Yoon's survival of an impeachment vote in the opposition-led parliament late Saturday. The impeachment was triggered by Yoon's brief but contentious imposition of martial law on Tuesday, which he rescinded just six hours later amid widespread backlash.
Han Dong-hoon, leader of Yoon's ruling People Power Party, announced in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo that Yoon would step back from key duties, including foreign and state affairs, before resigning early.
Arrest of Key Figure
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned on Wednesday after the martial law order was repealed, is accused of proposing the decree to Yoon. Prosecutors arrested Kim on Sunday, confiscating his mobile phone as part of their investigation. Yonhap News Agency reported that Kim voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office earlier that day for questioning.
A special investigative team is also examining claims that Kim, along with martial law commander Park An-su, played central roles in what opposition lawmakers have called an "insurrection." Three minority opposition parties have filed complaints against Yoon, Kim, and Park, alleging crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment under South Korean law.
The national police raided Kim's office on Sunday as part of a broader probe into treason allegations against Yoon and senior government officials.
Political Fallout and Resignation Plans
In a televised address hours before the impeachment vote, Yoon apologized for the martial law decree and left his future in the hands of his party. Han Dong-hoon characterized this as a de facto resignation promise, adding that state affairs would be managed in consultation with the prime minister until a new leadership structure is established.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assured allies, including the United States and Japan, of the government's commitment to stability and continuity during this crisis.
A Crisis of Democracy
Yoon's martial law declaration shocked South Korea, a nation celebrated as a democratic success story and a key U.S. ally in Asia. The decree granted sweeping emergency powers to the military, ostensibly to address "anti-state forces" and obstructive political opponents. Parliament, defying military and police blockades, unanimously voted to nullify the decree within hours.
The brief but alarming imposition of martial law has plunged South Korea into its most severe political crisis in decades, raising concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in Asia's fourth-largest economy. As investigations and political realignments unfold, the country faces a critical test of its democratic resilience.
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