Special Counsel Team Files Appeal Against Lee’s Sentence On February 18, 2026, the special counsel team led by Cho Eun‑suk formally lodged an appeal challenging the Seoul Central District Court’s seven‑year conviction of former Interior Minister Lee Sang‑min for his participation in President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s brief martial‑law declaration on December 3, 2024 [1]. The appeal was filed six days after the court’s judgment, which also found Lee guilty of perjury during Yoon’s impeachment trial [1]. Lee’s own lawyers had submitted a separate appeal the day after sentencing, indicating parallel legal strategies [1].

Appeal Cites Misinterpretation, Legal Error, Lenient Penalty The counsel’s statement argues that the lower court misinterpreted factual evidence, misapplied legal principles, and imposed an unduly lenient sentence [1]. It contends that the perjury charge and the martial‑law participation were evaluated incorrectly, warranting a reversal or reduction of the penalty [1]. The appeal seeks to rectify what the team describes as procedural and substantive errors in the original ruling [1].

Prosecutors Sought 15‑Year Term Over Media Suppression Claims Prosecutors originally demanded a 15‑year prison term, asserting that Lee ordered the shutdown of electricity and water supplies to media outlets critical of the administration on the night the martial law was declared [1]. They framed the request as necessary to address alleged media suppression and abuse of emergency powers [1]. The contrast between the prosecutors’ request and the seven‑year sentence underscores the contentious sentencing debate [1].

Lee Joins Former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo in High‑Profile Convictions Lee becomes the second cabinet member convicted in connection with the December 2024 emergency order, following former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo’s 23‑year sentence handed down the previous month [1]. Both convictions highlight the judiciary’s willingness to hold senior officials accountable for the brief martial‑law episode [1]. The ongoing appeals by Lee and his legal team suggest the legal saga will extend beyond the initial judgments [1].