Kim Yong-hyun: S Korea ex-defence minister attempts to take his life

South Korea’s past defence secretary Kim Yong-hyun, who claimed responsibility for the government’s unsuccessful attempt to place the land under military laws last year, has tried to take his own life, an official said.

Officials found him while making the attempt in his detention center on Tuesday evening, Shin Yong-hae, the justice agency’s custodial agency commander, told politicians.

Kim and other senior members of the president’s leading team resigned last week in response to Yoon’s sudden martial law purchase.

He had been detained on Sunday for inspection, before he was officially arrested on rebellion costs.

Kim was in stable condition following the attempt, Shin said.

Kim is one of the best authorities facing charges for their part in Yoon’s brief military law order, which has sparked widespread outcry in South Korea.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets calling for the government’s withdrawal or prosecution.

Yoon is also being investigated for admitted rebellion. He has apologised for the military law declaration, but he has not accepted growing calling for him to step down.