Lee Sang-min, the former Minister of the Interior and Safety, will face an appeal ruling on May 12, 2026 [2].
The case represents a critical legal test regarding the accountability of high-ranking officials who execute emergency orders during periods of civil unrest. The outcome will determine if Lee's actions during the declared emergency martial law constituted a criminal insurrection or the lawful execution of presidential directives.
The Seoul High Court has scheduled the hearing for 3 p.m. on Tuesday [2, 3]. This follows a first-instance trial in which Lee was sentenced to seven years in prison [1].
Prosecutors allege that Lee participated in an insurrection by following orders from former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Specifically, the charges state that Lee acted to block the National Assembly and coordinated a media blackout during the emergency martial law period [1].
Beyond the charges of insurrection, Lee faces allegations of perjury. Prosecutors said he denied receiving the orders to block the legislature and suppress media coverage during his initial testimonies [1].
Lee's legal team has contested the original sentence. The upcoming ruling by the Seoul High Court will decide whether to uphold, reduce, or overturn the seven-year prison term [1].
“Lee Sang-min, the former Minister of the Interior and Safety, will face an appeal ruling on May 12, 2026.”
This ruling serves as a precedent for the 'superior orders' defense in South Korean law. If the court upholds the conviction, it reinforces the principle that government ministers are legally obligated to refuse orders that violate the constitution, regardless of whether those orders come directly from the president.
