Former intelligence chief gets 2 years for forming 'martial law investigation unit'

The Supreme Court has upheld a two-year prison sentence for Noh Sang-won, former commander of the Information Command, in a landmark ruling concerning the controversial December 3 martial law period. Noh was convicted of violating the Personal Information Protection Act and accepting bribes for arranging favors. The charges stem from his alleged efforts to compile a list of military personnel for a "Second Investigation Unit," purportedly established to investigate irregularities during the martial law period, including suspicions of election rigging.

This decision represents the first high court judgment related to the martial law declaration, which was imposed over 17 months ago. The lower courts had previously found Noh guilty, ruling that the formation of the Second Investigation Unit was part of a plan to declare martial law at a specific time, regardless of whether the conditions were met. The courts deemed these actions unconstitutional and illegal.

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The formation of the Second Investigation Unit was part of a plan to declare martial law at a specific time, irrespective of whether the conditions were met.

Noh was also accused of receiving approximately 26 million won (around $19,000) in cash and department store gift certificates from former military officials under the guise of assisting with their promotions. The Supreme Court's affirmation of the lower courts' rulings solidifies the legal stance against actions taken during the martial law period that are deemed to have overstepped legal boundaries. This case is significant as it brings a degree of judicial closure to a period marked by political turmoil and questions surrounding the legitimacy of martial law actions.

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The actions to form the investigation unit were unconstitutional and illegal.