Former defense minister arrested after failed martial law in South Korea

This week, Yong-hyun assumed all responsibilities related to martial law. “First of all, I deeply regret and take full responsibility for the confusion and concern caused to the people regarding martial law,” he announced. In a statement, he also presented his resignation on Wednesday (4). Previously, the Democratic Party filed a request for impeachment against him.

The former minister said he was solely responsible for everything that happened and that the mobilized military personnel were under his direction. The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that Yong-hyun advised the president to impose martial law. This statement, however, was contested by all other members of the Cabinet, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, according to The Korea Herald.

Yong-hyun had been appointed as the government’s third defense minister three months ago. During an inauguration hearing on September 2, he reportedly ruled out any possibility of a martial law decree. Despite this, initial investigations indicate that he had spearheaded the plan.

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President of South Korea declared martial law in the country on Tuesday (3) and retreated hours later. Yoon Suk Yeol justified that the decision was necessary to protect the country from “communist forces” amid constant disputes with Parliament, controlled by the opposition. The surprising move comes as Yoon’s People Power Party and the Democratic Party, the main opposition party, are locked in an arm wrestling match over next year’s budget bill.

Harsh bans were announced. “All political activities, including those of the National Assembly, local councils, political parties and political associations, as well as assemblies and demonstrations, are strictly prohibited,” said a statement from the South Korean government.