Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A South Korean court has sentenced former justice minister Park Sung-jae to 25 years in prison over his involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law in 2024, a move that triggered a major political crisis in the country.
The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Monday, June 22, 2026, in South Korea, where Park Sung-jae was found guilty of involvement in what prosecutors described as an “insurrection” linked to the December 2024 martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The ruling came as part of ongoing legal proceedings involving officials accused of participating in the crisis.
The court said Park played a role after the martial law announcement by participating in meetings and actions connected to the government’s response during the emergency period.
Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in December 2024 lasted only about six hours before lawmakers moved to block the measure through an emergency vote at the National Assembly.
The decision by the former president created widespread political uncertainty and led to public protests across South Korea.
The court found that Park’s actions contributed to a situation where democratic institutions and citizens’ rights were placed at risk.
Presiding judge Lee Jin-gwan said during the ruling that Park had ignored concerns raised by officials regarding the legality of the martial law declaration.
According to the court, Park held a meeting with justice ministry officials shortly after the announcement and discussed issues including prison capacity in the event that opposition figures were detained.
Prosecutors argued that Park’s involvement represented an abuse of authority and a failure to protect democratic institutions.
They had requested a 20-year prison sentence, saying his actions weakened the rule of law.
The court, however, imposed a 25-year sentence after finding him guilty of the charges brought against him.
Following the ruling, Park was taken into custody after previously standing trial without detention.
The martial law crisis has resulted in several former officials facing legal consequences for their alleged roles in the events.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has also been convicted in connection with the political crisis and is currently facing a life sentence while appealing the decision.
Earlier proceedings also resulted in a 30-year prison sentence being issued against Yoon over allegations related to actions taken during the crisis.
Other senior officials connected to the former administration have also received prison sentences.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while former interior minister Lee Sang-min received a nine-year sentence.
Former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun was also sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted in a separate case connected to the events.
The political fallout from the martial law declaration affected South Korea’s domestic stability and drew international attention.
The crisis led to demonstrations, political tensions, and concerns among South Korea’s allies about the stability of one of Asia’s major democracies.
The United States, which maintains close security relations with South Korea, was among countries closely monitoring the developments.
The court proceedings have continued as South Korean authorities examine the actions of officials involved in the declaration and response.
The sentencing of Park Sung-jae represents another major development in the country’s legal response to the 2024 martial law crisis.
South Korean authorities have continued to pursue accountability through judicial processes as the nation addresses the consequences of the political upheaval.
The case has become one of the most significant political and constitutional disputes in South Korea’s recent history.
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