Former South Korean Interior Minister Receives Seven-Year Prison Sentence
South Korea's former interior minister, Lee Sang-min, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in abetting then-President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in 2024. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, 12 February 2026, by Judge Ryu Kyung-jin at a Seoul court, marking a significant development in the legal aftermath of the controversial political episode.
Details of the Conviction and Evidence Presented
Lee, who led the Ministry of Interior and Safety, was convicted for assisting in the execution of the martial law declaration. Prosecutors presented evidence, including testimony from officials such as former National Fire Agency Commissioner General Heo Seok-gon, security camera footage, and other documentation, which clearly demonstrated Lee's attempts to carry out Yoon's orders. Specifically, Lee was found guilty of passing along instructions to cut water and electricity to news organizations critical of Yoon's policies, although these measures were never implemented due to the swift lifting of martial law.
Judge Ryu Kyung-jin stated that it was indisputable Lee played a crucial role in enforcing martial law, emphasizing the weight of the evidence against him. However, Lee was acquitted of lesser charges related to abuse of power, citing insufficient evidence. Throughout the trial, Lee denied receiving or issuing any instructions to disrupt utilities for media outlets and disputed claims of conspiring or planning the martial law declaration.
Broader Legal and Political Context
This verdict arrives just one week before a different judge at the same Seoul court is set to rule on whether Yoon Suk Yeol's actions constituted rebellion, a charge for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Yoon, who was removed from office and has been under arrest since July, defended the martial law declaration as a necessary governance act against liberal forces he labeled as "anti-state," accusing them of obstructing his agenda with their legislative majority.
Lee is the second member of Yoon's cabinet to be convicted in connection with the martial law incident. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year prison sentence but has appealed the decision. Prosecutors had initially sought a 15-year sentence for Lee, highlighting the severity of the charges. Following the verdict, Lee smiled quietly, and his legal team has not yet indicated whether an appeal will be filed.
The martial law declaration in 2024 was short-lived, as lawmakers broke through a military and police blockade at the National Assembly and unanimously voted to lift it, preventing the implementation of the utility cutoffs. This case underscores the ongoing legal scrutiny of Yoon's administration and its controversial policies, with further trials expected to shape South Korea's political landscape in the coming months.
