South Korean Ex-Minister Gets 25 Years over Martial Law Bid

A South Korean court sentenced former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae to 25 years in prison for his role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The court found him guilty of playing a key role in an insurrection and of abuse of power.

The Seoul Central District Court handed down a harsher sentence than prosecutors had sought. They had recommended 20 years in prison. Park was taken into custody immediately after the verdict over concerns that he could obstruct the investigation.

According to the court, after martial law was declared, Park convened a meeting of senior ministry officials to discuss whether prisons were ready to detain politicians and others, as well as the deployment of prosecutors to support martial law authorities. “The defendant ultimately turned his back on his duty to protect the constitution and instead chose to participate in the uprising”, the court said.

Park joins other former cabinet members convicted in connection with the attempted martial law declaration. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison in February and has appealed the verdict.

(koreaherald, bak)