South Korean court issues arrest warrant for ex-defense minister

A South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who allegedly proposed last week's martial law declaration to President Yoon Suk-yeol, for a treason charge, multiple media outlets said early Wednesday.

The Seoul Central District Court granted the prosecution's request to arrest Kim, saying it was worried that he would destroy evidence.

Kim was charged with engaging in an important mission during the insurrection, triggered by Yoon's declaration of an emergency martial law on the night of December 3 that was rescinded by the National Assembly hours later.

The former defense chief waived a court hearing to review the arrest warrant, in which prosecutors reportedly called Yoon a "ringleader" of the "rebellion".

If convicted of treason, Kim would face life imprisonment or death penalty.