Special Counsel Seeks 15‑Year Prison Term for Lee Sang‑min Before Feb. 12 Verdict
Updated (3 articles)
Special counsel Cho Eun‑suk urges maximum sentence At the final hearing on Jan. 12, 2026, Cho Eun‑suk’s team asked the Seoul Central District Court to impose a 15‑year prison term on former Interior Minister Lee Sang‑min, arguing his actions amounted to constitutional destruction [1][2][3].
Lee charged with insurrection for December 2024 martial‑law decree Prosecutors allege Lee failed to stop President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s martial‑law declaration and directed police and fire agencies to cut power and water to media outlets critical of the administration [1][2][3]. He was indicted while in custody in August 2025 [2].
Perjury claim linked to impeachment testimony Lee faces a perjury charge for denying during President Yoon’s impeachment trial last year that he received or conveyed any orders to the agencies involved [1][2][3].
Fourteen‑year judgeship cited as proof of illegality awareness The prosecution highlighted Lee’s 14‑year tenure on the bench to argue he knowingly participated in illegal actions related to the martial‑law attempt [1][3].
Verdict expected on Feb. 12, 2026 The court will deliver its ruling on Feb. 12, and Lee became emotional at the close of his statement, thanking his defense lawyers [1].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Special counsel seeks 15‑year prison term for ex‑interior minister over martial law involvement – Details the prosecutors’ 15‑year request, Lee’s insurrection and perjury charges, and notes his emotional remarks; emphasizes the upcoming Feb. 12 ruling .
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2.
Yonhap: Special counsel seeks 15‑year prison term for ex‑interior minister Lee Sang‑min – Highlights the indictment under arrest in August and focuses on the legal arguments linking Lee’s judicial background to his alleged knowledge of illegality .
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3.
Yonhap: Special counsel seeks 15‑year term for ex‑Interior Minister over martial law involvement – Stresses Lee’s former judge experience as central to the prosecution’s case and reiterates the same charges and sentencing request .
Timeline
Dec 2024 – President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law, a move later judged unconstitutional and prompting emergency orders to cut power and water to media outlets critical of the administration [1].
Dec 2024 – Interior Minister Lee Sang‑min fails to stop the martial‑law decree and directs police and fire agencies to cut electricity and water to dissenting broadcasters, actions that form the core of his insurrection charge [1].
2025 – During President Yoon’s impeachment trial, Lee testifies and denies receiving any orders to disrupt media services, a statement later used to charge him with perjury [1].
Aug 2025 – Prosecutors indict Lee Sang‑min under arrest on insurrection and perjury counts for his role in the December 2024 martial‑law episode [2].
Jan 12, 2026 – At the final hearing in Seoul Central District Court, special counsel Cho Eun‑suk urges a 15‑year prison term, arguing Lee’s 14‑year judicial background proves he knew the martial‑law move was illegal [1].
Jan 12, 2026 – Lee becomes emotional, thanks his defense lawyers, and reiterates his denial of ever receiving documents ordering power or water cuts [1].
Feb 12, 2026 – The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on Lee Sang‑min’s case [1].