South Korean ex-defence minister tries to commit suicide in custody

Former South Korean defence minister Kim Yong-hyun tried to kill himself shortly before being formally arrested over his role in the martial law operation, Yonhap reported Wednesday.

President Yoon Sook Yeol declared martial law on December 3 and sent soldiers and helicopters to parliament but was forced to rescind the decree. Kim resigned on Thursday.

• South Korea's Yoon gave orders to 'drag out' MPs during martial law, says officer