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Key Points

South Korea's special counsel is questioning former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min over his alleged involvement in ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial martial law declaration. Investigators suspect Lee ordered utility cuts to media outlets critical of the administration. The probe also examines whether Lee plotted a second martial law attempt after the first was lifted. Lee denies all allegations, claiming no orders were given to suppress press freedom.

Key Points: Ex-Interior Minister Lee Sang-min Questioned in Yoon Martial Law Probe

  • Lee accused of ordering utility cuts to critical media outlets
  • Probe focuses on Yoon's alleged memo targeting press freedom
  • Investigators examine Lee's role in martial law enforcement
  • Second martial law declaration plot also under scrutiny
2 min read

South Korea: Special counsel questions ex-interior minister in martial law probe

South Korea's special counsel grills ex-minister Lee Sang-min over alleged role in Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration and media suppression.

"Investigators have determined Lee called the National Fire Agency chief right after the martial law declaration - Yonhap News"

Seoul, July 25

A special counsel team was questioning former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min on Friday over his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law imposition in December.

Lee appeared before the team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk amid allegations that he ordered the National Fire Agency to cut power and water to some media outlets that were critical of the Yoon administration, on the night of the martial law declaration on December 3.

The team suspects that Yoon handed a memo to Lee containing the instruction against news outlets Hankyoreh, Kyunghyang Shinmun and MBC, as well as opinion polling agency Flower Research.

Investigators have determined Lee called the National Fire Agency chief right after the martial law declaration to give orders to cooperate with the police in the event they request cutting off power and water to the media outlets and the polling agency, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee previously testified at Yoon's impeachment trial in February that he never tried to cut off power or water and that Yoon did not give such instructions.

The team is looking into whether Lee actively assisted Yoon's martial law declaration as an accomplice.

Lee will also likely be questioned over allegations of plotting a second declaration of martial law with other top administration officials at a presidential safe house, soon after the National Assembly lifted the decree.

Lee has denied the allegation during past police questioning.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian watching this, I'm concerned about global democratic backsliding. When leaders target free press, it's a red flag for all democracies. Media is the fourth pillar na?
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Aman W
Interesting to see South Korea dealing with similar issues we face in India - power vs press. But at least their investigation seems more transparent than ours sometimes 😅
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Sarah B
As someone who lived in Seoul, this is heartbreaking. Korean democracy was so hard-earned after military rule. Hope they don't go backwards - their media is world-class!
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Vikram M
The article seems one-sided no? Where's the minister's defense? In India we've seen how media trials can be unfair. Due process should be followed properly.
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Nisha Z
K-pop fans won't like this news! But seriously, this shows even developed Asian nations struggle with democratic values. We Indians should learn from their mistakes.

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