Han Ducksoo, Choi Sangmok, Jeong Jinseok Indicted
Over Allegations of Failure to Appoint or Nominate Constitutional Court Justices
Former Minister of Justice Sungjae Park is appearing at the Seoul Central District Court on the 13th of last month to attend the substantive hearing for his arrest warrant.
Former Minister of Justice Park Sungjae, who is accused of participating in the 12·3 Martial Law incident and allegedly intervening to halt the investigation into First Lady Kim Keonhee, has been indicted and will stand trial.
On December 11, the special prosecutor's team for the 12·3 Martial Law incident, led by Cho Eunseok, indicted former Minister Park without detention on charges of participating in a rebellion, abuse of authority, and violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
According to the special prosecutor's team, after the declaration of martial law, former Minister Park convened meetings of directors and bureau chiefs at the Ministry of Justice, ordered reviews for dispatching prosecutors to the joint investigation headquarters, checked the capacity of correctional facilities, and instructed staff in charge of travel bans to report to work. He is accused of participating in the rebellion committed by former President Yoon Sukyeol. He is also accused of ordering the Prosecution Division of the Ministry of Justice to draft documents justifying martial law, thereby instructing subordinates to perform duties outside their official responsibilities.
Additionally, the indictment states that he received an improper request from the First Lady and exerted influence to have the related case dismissed. The special prosecutor's team twice requested arrest warrants for former Minister Park, but both were denied by the court.
In connection with the 'Allegations of Non-Appointment and Nomination of Constitutional Court Justices,' several former officials have also been indicted, including former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sangmok, former Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Juhyun, former Chief Presidential Secretary Jeong Jinseok, and former Secretary for Public Office Discipline Lee Wonmo.
The special prosecutor's team determined that former Prime Minister Han and former Deputy Prime Minister Choi failed to appoint Constitutional Court justice candidates recommended by the National Assembly after the impeachment of former President Yoon, constituting dereliction of duty.
Former Prime Minister Han, former Senior Secretary Kim, former Chief Secretary Jeong, and former Secretary Lee are also accused of nominating Ham Sanghoon and Lee Wankyu as Constitutional Court justice candidates without proper personnel vetting, constituting abuse of authority.
In connection with the 'Secret Residence Meeting,' former Legislation Minister Lee Wankyu was indicted for perjury before the National Assembly (violation of the Act on Testimony, Appraisal, etc. before the National Assembly), and former Deputy Prime Minister Choi was indicted for perjury in former Prime Minister Han's trial.
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