South Korea’s former defence minister has tried to take his own life while being held in detention over his role in the failed imposition of martial law, officials have said.

Kim Yong Hyun, along with President Yoon Suk Yeol are the subject of a criminal investigation on insurrection charges.

A spokesperson said Kim’s attempt at suicide had failed and he was alive.

The office of President Yoon has been raided by investigators, according to reports.

There was political chaos and soldiers on the streets of the capital on 3 December when Mr Yoon made the surprise announcement.

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Image:
President Yoon Suk Yeol. File pic: AP

The state of emergency only lasted about six hours as parliament voted to block the decree and people took to the streets in protest.

Meanwhile, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has said he blames himself for failing to stop the emergency martial law, according to the Newsis agency.