A special counsel team sought a former justice minister sentence of 20 years on Monday. The request targeted Park Sung Jae for his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law bid. The special counsel team led by Cho Eun suk made the request during a final hearing. The trial took place at the Seoul Central District Court. The team called for strict judgment to sound an alarm on a jurist who destroys the law.
Park faces accusations of playing a key role in an insurrection. He also allegedly abused his power after Yoon’s December 2024 martial law declaration. Park called a meeting of senior justice ministry officials shortly after the declaration. He reviewed dispatching prosecutors to a martial law supporting body. He also checked the capacity of correctional facilities during that period. Additionally, he called officials responsible for imposing travel bans to work.
The former minister also faces additional corruption charges. Prosecutors accuse Park of giving inappropriate orders to his subordinates. These orders came in line with a request from Yoon’s wife Kim Keon Hee. The incident occurred in May 2024 during an active investigation. Kim wanted Park to check certain details of her corruption probe. The investigation involved suspicions about Kim’s financial activities. Park allegedly used his position to grant undue favors accordingly.
The special counsel team also requested a three year prison term for another official. Former Minister of Government Legislation Lee Wan kyu faces false testimony charges. Lee allegedly gave false statements to the National Assembly after the martial law decree. He claimed there was no discussion of the martial law order at a presidential safe house. This meeting occurred immediately after Yoon lifted the decree. Lee’s testimony contradicted other evidence presented in the case.
Park’s trial will now move to the sentencing phase. The court will deliberate on the special counsel’s request in coming weeks. Legal observers expect a ruling before the end of the year. The case has drawn intense public attention across South Korea. The former justice minister sentence could set a precedent for other officials involved. Future trials of Yoon era officials may proceed after this case concludes. The special counsel continues investigating other aspects of the martial law declaration.
