Seoul: The appeal trial of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in the imposition of martial law under former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2024, is set to commence this month.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 1, responsible for handling insurrection cases, announced that the first hearing in Lee's case will take place at 2 p.m. on March 18. Lee faces accusations of ordering the cessation of water and electricity to media outlets following martial law-related directives from Yoon on December 3, 2024.

Last month, the Seoul Central District Court found Lee guilty of playing a substantial role in the insurrection, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence. Both Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk's team, which had sought a 15-year sentence for Lee, and Lee himself have appealed the court's decision.