Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae sentenced to 25 years for martial law involvement

Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in his first trial for charges related to the declaration of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court also ordered his immediate detention, citing concerns about evidence tampering.

The court's decision surpassed the 20-year sentence sought by the special prosecution team. Park was indicted on charges of important duty performance during rebellion and abuse of power. The court, however, dismissed charges related to the prohibition of improper requests and the receipt of money or valuables, as well as charges under the Act on the Testimony and Inspection in the National Assembly.

Prosecutors allege that Park convened a meeting of Justice Ministry officials immediately after the martial law declaration on December 3, 2024. During this meeting, he reportedly ordered the emergency standby of an overseas travel ban team, the securing of detention facility space, and the consideration of dispatching investigators to a joint investigation headquarters. He is also accused of receiving and relaying inquiries from first lady Kim Keon-hee regarding an investigation into a luxury bag.

Separately, former Minister of Government Legislation Lee Wan-kyu had his charges dismissed.