Ex-justice minister sentenced to 25 years in martial law-related case

by Lee Hugh Posted : June 22, 2026, 16:36Updated : June 22, 2026, 16:37
Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on June 22 2026 Yonhap
Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on June 22, 2026. Yonhap
SEOUL, June 22 (AJP) - Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday over his involvement in disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle in 2024.

The Seoul Central District Court found Park guilty of carrying out key duties related to Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration.

In its verdict, the court harshly criticized Park, saying he had a "grave constitutional duty" as justice minister but chose to side with unlawful actions. It warned that his conduct could have undermined the country's democratic order and values.

It also reprimanded Park for making false statements during investigations and in court, casting doubt on his sincerity despite his later expressions of regret.

His sentence was five years longer than prosecutors had sought. Park was detained immediately after the ruling, with the court citing concerns over possible destruction of evidence.

Park also faced a separate charge related to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, who reportedly asked him to provide details on an investigation into her alleged acceptance of a luxury bag, but that charge was dismissed.

The court explained that while the dismissal of certain charges may allow for future investigation under proper legal procedures, the current case did not fall within the scope of the martial law investigation.