Former Minister Lee Sang-min Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison in Appeal

Former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min has been sentenced to 9 years in prison in his appeal trial. The court determined his responsibility was grave, pointing out that he engaged in important martial law duties despite being aware of the illegality of the emergency martial law, and that he showed an attitude of evading responsibility during the investigation and trial process. In particular, the court stated that he chose to comply with the unconstitutional and illegal orders to cut power and water to media outlets, despite having the status, authority, and time to refuse them.

The charge of abuse of power and obstruction of rights was ruled not guilty, similar to the first trial. Former Minister Lee was on trial for allegedly issuing instructions to former Fire Commissioner Huh Seok-gon to cooperate with the lockdown of key institutions such as the National Assembly and the order to cut power and water to specific media outlets, following instructions from former President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3, 2024.

The Supreme Court Division 2 upheld the original ruling sentencing Noh Sang-won, former Defense Security Commander, to 2 years in prison and a fine of 24.9 million won for violations of the Personal Information Protection Act and accepting bribes for solicitation under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes. This is the first final Supreme Court ruling directly related to the December 3 emergency martial law incident. Former Commander Noh was found guilty of receiving information on Intelligence Agency personnel to form the 'Second Investigation Unit for Irregular Election Use' during the emergency martial law, and for receiving money under the pretext of facilitating promotions.