South Korea's ex‑Defense Minister attempts suicide amid coup probe
Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Jong Hjun attempted to take his own life while in custody. The politician was detained due to his role in the imposition of martial law by President Jun Suk Jeol.
The Commissioner-General of the Korean Correctional Service, Shin Jong He, reported that Kim attempted to take his own life just before midnight from Tuesday to Wednesday local time, according to the Yonhap agency. He is currently in a protective cell, and his health condition is stable.
Kim had been in custody since Sunday. A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for the minister on Tuesday evening on charges of "significant" involvement in the coup in connection with his role in announcing and implementing martial law on December 3 by the country's president, Jun Suk Jeol.
As part of the investigation into the martial law, two high-ranking police officials were also detained: the Commissioner-General of the National Police Agency, Cho Ji Ho, and the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Kim Bong Sika. Both have been banned from leaving the country.
Raids and investigations
The police conducted raids on the president's office and police headquarters. Officers also entered the offices of the Seoul Metropolitan Police and the National Assembly's police guard. President Jun was not present at the office during the raid and has not appeared publicly since Saturday when he apologized for his decisions.
The Chairman of the National Assembly, Wu Won Sik, announced the start of a parliamentary investigation into the martial law, calling for the creation of a special committee. He emphasized that this is necessary to obtain public testimony from the president.
The main opposition party plans to hold a second vote on the president's impeachment on Saturday. Reuters notes that members of the president's Power to the People Party might support the impeachment this time.
Where to seek help?
People in emotional crisis who need help can get assistance from Mental Health America. "Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room," reads the website.
