Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun reportedly attempted suicide just minutes before his formal arrest earlier this month, a senior prison official disclosed on Wednesday.

President Yoon Suk-yeol had declared martial law on December 3, deploying soldiers and helicopters to parliament. However, the order was quickly revoked within hours after facing rejection by lawmakers.

Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned last Thursday, was officially arrested on Tuesday under charges of "engaging in significant actions during a rebellion" and "abuse of authority by obstructing its exercise."

During a parliamentary hearing, Shin Yong-hae, the Commissioner General of the Korea Correctional Service, revealed that Kim attempted suicide moments before his arrest announcement.

"At some point before midnight (around 3:00 PM Tuesday), former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun attempted suicide in the toilet of Seoul Dongbu Detention Center using a clothing string," Shin stated.

A staff member in the control room intervened, and upon opening the door, Kim immediately abandoned the attempt, Shin added.

Currently, Kim is being held in a secure cell and is in stable condition.

"Medical tests indicate that the inmate is in good health with no abnormalities, and he is living a normal routine within the facility," the Ministry of Justice noted in a statement sent to AFP.

Through his lawyer on Tuesday, Kim accepted full responsibility for the situation and issued a formal apology.

"I deeply apologize to the South Korean people," Kim said, adding, "My subordinates were merely following my orders and fulfilling their assigned duties."