Former cabinet member seeks judicial examination of the lawfulness of his detention
Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min's Arrest Review Hearing Holds at Seoul Central District Court
The Seoul Central District Court is set to hold a hearing later today to review the legality of the arrest of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. The hearing comes after Lee filed a petition to revoke his arrest warrant, which was dismissed on August 8, 2025.
Lee was arrested on August 1, 2025, over allegations relating to his role in aiding the illegal martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December. The allegations include aiding in the imposition of martial law and instructing the cutoff of utilities to critical media outlets.
The court is required by law to question the suspect and study evidence within 48 hours after the review is filed. During the hearing, the court will determine if the procedures for Lee's arrest followed due process and if his continued state of arrest is necessary.
The investigation into Yoon's martial law bid is ongoing, and these new allegations against Lee are part of that investigation. Special prosecutors have accused Lee of aiding and abetting the illegal declaration of martial law, as well as abuse of power and lying under oath.
Lee's lawyers have denied most of the allegations against him. If found guilty of the new allegations, Lee could face additional charges beyond abuse of power and lying under oath.
If the court finds in Lee's favor, he could be released from Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang. However, if the court finds that the arrest was legal and should remain in place, Lee will continue to be in custody.
The court's decision to dismiss Lee's petition to revoke his arrest warrant came after an examination of interrogation results and case records. The court ruled that the arrest was lawful and necessary, citing sufficient evidence and concerns about potential destruction of evidence if he were released.
The review hearing is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Yoon's martial law bid. If Lee is found guilty, it could provide further evidence of the illegal actions taken by the former administration. The hearing promises to be a crucial step in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
[1] Lee's arrest and the ongoing investigation: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62625415 [2] Court rules to dismiss Lee's petition: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-court-dismisses-former-interior-ministers-petition-against-arrest-2025-08-08/ [3] Lee's alleged actions during the imposition of martial law: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/3/south-korea-former-interior-minister-accused-of-cutting-off-utilities-to-critical-media-outlets-during-martial-law
- The ongoing investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid involves special focus on policy-and-legislation and politics, as allegations against former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min include aiding the illegal declaration of martial law.
- The review hearing for Lee Sang-min's arrest warrant at the Seoul Central District Court is a key event in war-and-conflicts and general-news, as it could potentially impact the course of justice and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
