South Korea's former interior minister gets 7-year sentence for aiding martial law

A Seoul court on Thursday sentenced former Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang‑min to seven years in prison for his role in aiding then‑President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law on 3 December 2024 . The ruling affirms the court’s finding that Lee participated in what it defined as an insurrection and committed perjury by denying his actions under oath in earlier proceedings.

The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict in a live‑televised hearing , concluding that Lee, 61, had relayed Yoon’s orders to national police and fire agencies to cut electricity and water to media outlets deemed critical of the government. While the planned utility cuts were never implemented due to the swift lifting of martial law by lawmakers, the judge ruled that Lee’s actions contributed to undermining democratic norms.

In its ruling, the court cited broadcast evidence and testimony showing Lee directed the National Fire Agency to cooperate in cutting off services to news organisations, weakening public dissent and facilitating the attempted imposition of military authority. The panel emphasized that insurrection “damages the core values of democracy” and warranted severe punishment . Lee was acquitted of lesser abuse‑of‑power charges due to a lack of evidence, but his perjury conviction stemmed from testimony in which he denied issuing such orders during Yoon’s impeachment proceedings.

Prosecutors had sought a 15‑year sentence , arguing that Lee knowingly aided Yoon’s effort to suspend constitutional governance. Lee has been in custody since August 2025 , after a court approved his arrest amid concerns he might destroy evidence. His legal team has not confirmed whether an appeal will be filed.

Lee is the second senior official from Yoon’s administration to be convicted in relation to the martial law crisis. Former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo was sentenced in January 2026 to 23 years in prison for aiding Yoon’s actions and has appealed his sentence.

The broader crisis began when Yoon abruptly declared martial law in December 2024, deploying troops to block the National Assembly and suspend civilian government functions. The legislature unanimously voted within hours to rescind martial law, and the declaration was lifted. Yoon later issued a public apology as nationwide protests erupted.

Lee’s conviction also reflects wider findings by a special counsel investigation , which concluded that preparations for the martial law declaration began well before the December 2024 event and were aimed at stalling political opposition and consolidating power. The investigation resulted in indictments of more than twenty officials and political figures.

Former President Yoon himself faces ongoing trials, including a rebellion charge tied to the martial law declaration that could carry the death penalty or life imprisonment. A court is scheduled to announce its ruling in that case on 19 February 2026 . Yoon, removed from office in April 2025 following impeachment proceedings, is also facing separate sentences sought by prosecutors on associated counts such as obstruction of justice and misuse of authority.

The unfolding legal fallout has marked one of the most consequential constitutional crises in modern South Korean history, prompting intense public debate about executive power, media freedom, and democratic resilience.