The prosecution has arrested the former defense minister of South Korea.

The Prosecutor's Office has arrested former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. This action was taken as part of an investigation into potential treason related to the president's declaration of a state of emergency.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the news agency Yonhap.

A special investigative team from the Prosecutor's Office interrogated Hyun, who voluntarily appeared at the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office around 1:30 AM on Sunday (16:30 GMT on Saturday). He faces a travel ban during the investigation.

A senior military official and members of the opposition, who filed impeachment documents against President Yoon, stated that it was Kim who suggested the president declare a state of emergency in the country.

Previously, three opposition parties submitted a complaint to the Prosecutor's Office against President Yoon, former Defense Minister Kim, and the military commander Pak An-soo, accusing them of treason.

The National Police are also investigating treason allegations against Yoon and other ministers.

State of Emergency in South Korea

On December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly declared a state of emergency in the country. The reason was to eradicate "anti-state forces" and obstructive political opponents.

However, Yoon revoked this order six hours later after the parliament and government did not support the decree, despite military and police barriers in Seoul.

On December 4, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned.

On Saturday, December 7, the parliament failed to impeach the president. The next voting date on this issue is December 11.

For more details on the reasons for the state of emergency in South Korea and its consequences, read the article by RBK-Ukraine.