Kim Yong-hyun speaks during a joint news conference at the State DepartmentGetty Images
South Korea's former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, who claimed responsibility for the president's failed attempt to place the country under martial law last week, has tried to take his own life, an official said.
Authorities found him while making the attempt in his detention centre on Tuesday, Shin Yong-hae, the justice ministry's correctional agency chief, told lawmakers.
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