INTERNATIONAL — February 12, 2026
South Korean Court Sentences Former Interior Minister to Seven Years for Role in Failed Martial Law Attempt
South Korea's Seoul Central District Court sentenced former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min to seven years in prison for his role in ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed martial law bid in December 2024. The ruling follows special prosecutors' request for a 15-year term, marking the second such conviction among Yoon's cabinet.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — 2 min read
A court in South Korea sentenced Lee Sang-min, the former interior minister, to seven years in prison for his involvement in former President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed bid to declare martial law in December 2024.
Reuters reported on Thursday that the Seoul Central District Court convicted the 61-year-old Lee of participating in a rebellion. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence last month, arguing he played a key role in facilitating the uprising by issuing orders to police and fire departments to cut electricity and water supplies to media outlets.
Lee has been in detention since August, following the court's approval of his arrest warrant. He is the second member of Yoon's cabinet to be convicted over the martial law declaration attempt.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Single source (Hasht-e Subh citing Reuters) provides direct, on-record attribution to a specific court ruling with concrete details including named individuals, court name, dates, ages, and actions; not a high-stakes or volatile ground event.
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Hasht-e Subh
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International — South Korea, Lee Sang-min, Yoon Suk-yeol, Seoul Central District Court, martial law
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