Special Counsel Seeks 15-Year Sentence for Lee Sang-min in Martial Law Case

A former judge faces the possibility of spending over a decade behind bars for allegedly betraying the Constitution he once swore to protect. On January 12, 2026, a special counsel team demanded a 15-year prison term for former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min regarding his role in the short-lived martial law imposed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Special Counsel Probes Lee Sang-min Martial Law 15-Year Sentence

According to Yonhap News, special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team presented the demand during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court. Prosecutors argued that Lee Sang-min, having served as a judge for 14 years, was fully aware of the illegality of the martial law declaration in December 2024 but chose to participate in the "crime of destroying the Constitution."

The indictment alleges that Lee played a lightning-fast but pivotal role in the insurrection. He reportedly instructed police and fire agencies to cut off electricity and water supplies to media outlets critical of the administration. Furthermore, he faces perjury charges for denying these actions during Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial last year.

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Lee's Emotional Defense and Final Remarks

During his closing statement, Lee Sang-min maintained his innocence, claiming he never received or issued any documents regarding utility cuts. He argued it was logically impossible for him to join a complex conspiracy within a matter of minutes without prior knowledge of the circumstances. Lee became visibly emotional while thanking his legal team as the hearing concluded.

The court's decision, scheduled for February 12, is expected to be a landmark ruling on government accountability. It marks one of the most significant legal challenges to cabinet members involved in the 2024 political crisis.