Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho Reacts to 25-Year Sentence for Former Minister Park Seong-jae

Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho expressed his deep disappointment following the sentencing of former Justice Minister Park Seong-jae to 25 years in prison for his involvement in the December 3 insurrection. In a Facebook post on June 22, Jeong stated, "As the head of the Ministry of Justice, I cannot hide my shame and sorrow."

On this day, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 33, led by Judge Lee Jin-gwan, sentenced Park to 25 years in prison and ordered his immediate detention. The court criticized Park, stating, "As a former Minister of Justice, he bore a heavy responsibility to uphold the Constitution and laws. Yet, he chose to disregard these duties and responsibilities, opting instead to participate in the insurrection, believing it might succeed."

Jeong remarked, "I take the court's ruling very seriously. This verdict reaffirms that no public official can stand above the Constitution and the people, and that those who undermine constitutional order and democracy will face consequences."

He added, "The Ministry of Justice, born from the people's sovereignty after overcoming the December 3 insurrection, will do its utmost to ensure that the history of insurrection does not repeat itself and to uphold democracy and the rule of law."