The special prosecutor's team led by Joe Eun-seok has filed an appeal against the recent ruling by the Seoul Central District Court, which sentenced Lee Sang-min, the former Minister of the Interior and Safety, to seven years in prison on charges related to insurrection. The appeal was based on claims of factual misjudgment, misunderstanding of legal principles, and inappropriate sentencing. The court found Lee guilty of important duties related to insurrection after ruling on December 3, when he transmitted directives to enforce control over specific media outlets and blockages of key institutions, based on orders from former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The court highlighted that exposing specific media outlets to power cuts was a significant action within the context of insurrection, and thus, it held Lee responsible for his actions during this critical period. However, the court did not find sufficient evidence to convict him on charges of abuse of authority, noting that the fire department under his directive responded adequately at that time. The complexities surrounding the insurrection charges and the constitutional implications of the police and military actions during that state of emergency add layers of significance to the case.

The outcomes of this appeal and subsequent proceedings could set important precedents regarding the accountability of high-ranking officials during national emergencies, as well as the legal interpretations of insurrection laws in South Korea. It also raises questions about media freedom and governmental control during crises, paralleling wider discussions on democracy and human rights in the region.