Published：Feb 11, 02:12Last updated：Mar 11, 02:02

South Korea’s Political Crisis: High-Profile Trials and Religious Influence Scandals

Feb. 11, 2026 02:12

The Seoul Central District Court approved live broadcasting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's sentencing trial scheduled for February 19, related to his declaration of martial law. The court previously televised his Jan. 16 sentencing, which resulted in a five-year prison sentence. The trial involves charges of insurrection, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy, with prosecutors demanding the death penalty for Yoon. The live broadcast aims to increase transparency amid high-profile legal proceedings.

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Mar. 6, 2026 05:55

The appeal trial of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, sentenced to seven years for his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law imposition, is scheduled for March 18, 2026. Lee is accused of ordering the cutoff of water and electricity to media outlets following martial law instructions. The case involves allegations of insurrection and political controversy.

Mar. 11, 2026 02:02

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's appeal trial started Wednesday at Seoul High Court, contesting a 23-year prison sentence for allegedly aiding a 2024 insurrection involving martial law. Han is accused of proposing the declaration and signing a revised proclamation to legitimize it, as well as lying under oath. The trial's morning session was broadcast, and Han remains in custody at a detention center near Seoul.

South Korea is in the throes of an unprecedented political crisis, as a series of high-profile trials involving former top officials and a deepening investigation into religious influence on party politics shake the nation. The convergence of these legal and political battles is testing the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions and fueling debate over the boundaries of power, religion, and justice. BBC News+2

⚖️ Major Trials: Yoon Suk-yeol, Han Duck-soo, and Lee Sang-min

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol faces an appeals trial in Seoul after being sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice linked to his 2024 martial law attempt. The trial, which began in March 2026 and is broadcast online, is part of a broader legal process that includes allegations of insurrection and corruption. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has begun his appeal against a 23-year sentence for allegedly aiding the 2024 insurrection, accused of legitimizing martial law and perjury. Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min is also appealing a seven-year sentence for ordering media blackouts during martial law. These cases underscore the sweeping legal reckoning facing South Korea’s former leadership. Yonhap News Agency+3

🏛️ Religious Influence and Party Turmoil: The Shincheonji Investigation

The People Power Party (PPP) is under intense scrutiny as prosecutors pursue allegations that the Shincheonji Church of Jesus orchestrated efforts to influence the party’s 2022 and 2024 primaries. Prosecutors attempted a second raid on the PPP headquarters in Seoul, suspecting the church of forcing followers to join the party and violating political laws. The church denies all allegations, but the investigation has heightened concerns about the intersection of religion and politics in South Korea. Yonhap News Agency+2

🚨 Details of the Shincheonji Scandal: Raids and Denials

Authorities have repeatedly raided the PPP’s Seoul headquarters, seeking evidence of a recruitment project allegedly run by Shincheonji. Despite tense standoffs and limited results, the probe continues, with former party officials claiming church followers were pressured to join and pay dues. The church maintains its innocence, but the scandal has sparked a broader debate about transparency and electoral integrity. Yonhap News Agency+2

🌏 Democratic Resilience Amid Crisis

These intertwined scandals highlight both the vulnerabilities and strengths of South Korea’s democracy. While public opinion remains sharply divided, the judiciary’s willingness to hold powerful figures accountable and the state’s investigation into political-religious ties demonstrate institutional resilience. The outcomes of these trials and probes will shape public trust, party dynamics, and South Korea’s regional standing for years to come. BBC News+2

South KoreaHan Duck-sooLee Sang-minYoon Suk YeolSeoul Central District Court