Seoul: The Constitutional Court has dismissed the impeachment of Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, which stemmed from his alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law in December.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the court's decision has led to Park's immediate reinstatement, nearly four months after the National Assembly impeached him. The charges centered around claims that he assisted Yoon before and after the unexpected martial law declaration on December 3. The court concluded unanimously that there was no evidence or objective material supporting the allegations of Park's implied or tacit agreement with the president's actions.
Park's impeachment was based on accusations that he did not oppose Yoon during a crucial Cabinet meeting preceding the martial law declaration. Additionally, he was alleged to have orchestrated the government's strategy at a presidential safe house after the National Assembly overturned the martial law decree, including preparing a detention facility for lawmakers during its enforcement.
The court clarified that conducting a meeting at the presidential safe house after lifting martial law did not qualify as involvement in insurrection activities. Park was accused of engaging in discussions on legal follow-up measures and potential responses to the insurrection, but the court found these allegations unsupported.
Throughout the proceedings, Park maintained his innocence, asserting that he actively worked to dissuade Yoon from declaring martial law and refrained from discussing any follow-up measures during the gathering at the presidential safe house.