A Seoul court sentenced former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to seven years in prison for participating in the 2024 rebellion involving the declaration of martial law. The court revealed that Lee ordered the cutting of water and electricity to media critical of the government and gave false testimony. Meanwhile, global attention is focused on the verdict for former President Yoon Suk-yeol next week after prosecutors requested the death penalty.
The central court in Seoul broadcast the verdict live today (12 Feb). It sentenced Lee Sang-min, former Minister of the Interior, to seven years in prison for a key role in the rebellion alongside former President Yoon Suk-yeol on 3 December 2024.
Lee is the second cabinet member to be imprisoned following former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was previously sentenced to 23 years for offenses related to the failed martial law declaration.
Although special counsel requested a 15-year sentence, the court imposed seven years, considering multiple factors. The court stated that Yoon’s martial law declaration constituted rebellion, with Lee supporting it by ordering the National Fire Agency to surround key offices. Lee also acted on Yoon’s orders to cut electricity and water to news agencies reporting critical content about the government at that time.
The court found Lee guilty of perjury, as he denied under oath during Yoon’s impeachment trial last February that he had ever issued such orders. However, the court acquitted him of charges alleging he forced the former fire chief to act beyond authority.
The court stated in its ruling, "Rebellious acts destroy the fundamental values of democracy, and severe punishment is unavoidable regardless of whether the attempt succeeds." Lee continues to deny involvement in planning and argues the martial law declaration should not be interpreted as rebellion.
This case is part of a major justice process in South Korea. Last month, special prosecutors sought the maximum penalty—the death sentence—for former President Yoon Suk-yeol as the rebellion’s leader. The court is scheduled to announce Yoon’s verdict next Thursday.
According to South Korea’s constitution, "rebellion" is defined as acts aimed at removing state power from part or all of the country or an insurrection to overthrow the constitution.
. Yonhap