Former South Korean Justice Minister Sentenced to 25 Years for Role in Martial Law Attempt

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced former South Korean Justice Minister Park Sung-jae to 25 years in prison today, finding him guilty of insurrection for his role in the 2024 martial law attempt initiated by former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

According to reports, the martial law decree issued by Yoon in December 2024 lasted only six hours before the National Assembly convened an emergency session to overturn the measure. Former President Yoon, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for leading the insurrection, is currently in custody awaiting appeal.

The court ruling stated that Park, in his capacity as Justice Minister, acted to facilitate the martial law command after assuming the decree's legitimacy. Prosecutors revealed that Park met with ministry officials shortly after the decree to confirm prison capacity for potential political detainees.

Prosecutors argued that Park abused his authority to weaponize the legal system against the rule of law. Despite a prosecution request for a 20-year sentence, the court handed down a 25-year term, noting the lack of remorse shown by the defendant.