Secure Phone of Former Defence Minister Could Uncover Links to President Yoon’s Actions

South Korean police have confiscated a secure communication device belonging to former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun as part of an ongoing investigation into the short-lived martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Referred to as a “secret phone” in local media, the device reportedly contains critical data, including potential evidence of communications between Kim and President Yoon during the enforcement of martial law on 3 December. Known for its advanced security features, the phone is resistant to wire-tapping and call recording.

The discovery was made on 12 December by a joint investigative team from the police and Defence Ministry. Following a raid on the Ministry of National Defence headquarters—situated near the presidential office—the team also secured related servers, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Reports suggest that Kim and President Yoon, former classmates, relied on secure devices to issue orders during the six-hour martial law period spanning 3 to 4 December. Earlier attempts to seize Kim’s phone during a 8 December raid were unsuccessful.

Kim, who was arrested on 10 December on charges including “insurrection-related duties” and “abuse of authority,” has publicly apologised, taking full responsibility for the incident. In a subsequent suicide attempt at a Seoul detention facility, Kim was saved and remains in secure custody, reportedly in stable condition.

Public dissatisfaction with President Yoon continues to grow, with nationwide protests demanding his resignation. Meanwhile, the National Assembly is set to hold a second impeachment vote on 14 December, following the failure of the initial motion due to a boycott by his party members.