Seoul: The Supreme Court has confirmed a two-year prison sentence for retired Army Major General Noh Sang-won, who was found guilty of collecting the personal information of military intelligence agents as part of a failed martial law bid by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This ruling marks the first decision from the top court related to the martial law declaration that occurred in December 2024.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 64-year-old former Defense Intelligence Command leader faced indictment for violating personal information protection laws. He was accused of gathering data on intelligence agents to aid in forming an electoral fraud investigation team under the martial law attempt by Yoon. Moreover, Noh was convicted of accepting 20 million won (approximately US$13,500) in cash and 6 million won in gift certificates from two military officers to assist in their promotions.
The Supreme Court upheld the convictions on both charges, enforcing the original prison term while mandating the forfeiture of 24.9 million won, consistent with previous rulings from district and appellate courts. In addition to this case, Noh is involved in a separate trial where he was sentenced to 18 years in prison for playing a significant role in the insurrection linked to the martial law effort. Currently, an appellate trial concerning these charges is ongoing.