South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol did not respond on Wednesday to a second summons by anti-corruption authorities who, along with prosecutors, are investigating his short-lived martial law decree issued early this month.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol again declined to appear for questioning by investigators over his martial law declaration as the embattled leader seeks to first defend himself at an impeachment trial.

For the United States, the turmoil in South Korea is potentially disruptive to its geopolitical agenda in East Asia.

Shin Yong Hae, commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service, told lawmakers that former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun tried to kill himself the previous night at a detention center in Seoul. He said correctional officers stopped him and that he was in stable condition.

South Korean police have questioned Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo as part of an investigation into the short-lived decision this month to impose martial law, an official at his office said on Friday.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his decision to declare martial law in a televised address Thursday, claiming he did it to save democracy and vowing that he will "fight to the end."

Yoon Suk Yeol defies another request for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.