A Former South Korean PM, Han Duck-soo, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his role in the declaration of martial law by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. The ruling was handed down by the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday.
Han, 76, is the first former cabinet minister to be convicted on criminal charges directly linked to the martial law declaration. Legal experts say the verdict may set a precedent for other related trials.
The court found the Former South Korean PM guilty of facilitating the appearance of a cabinet meeting that enabled the martial law declaration. The judge described this as a “top-down insurrection” and noted Han’s discussions about blocking the functions of major institutions, including parliament.
“The defendant was a prime minister who had democratic responsibility but chose to participate in the December 3 insurrection,” the judge said. “South Korea faced a risk of returning to a past where basic rights and democratic order could be violated for a long time.”
Han was also found guilty of perjury and falsifying official documents. He denied wrongdoing on all charges except perjury, claiming he never agreed to or supported martial law, though he regretted not stopping it.
The court’s sentence of 23 years exceeded the 15-year term sought by prosecutors. Han was detained immediately, and his lawyers confirmed an appeal will be filed to the Supreme Court.
Han has held senior positions under five presidents and briefly served as acting president following Yoon’s impeachment. He later resigned to run in a snap presidential election but ended his campaign due to political divisions among conservatives.
This ruling follows a five-year sentence for ex-President Yoon, who faces multiple trials, including one for “masterminding an insurrection.” Prosecutors have sought the death penalty in Yoon’s case, though South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997.
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The verdict has drawn attention across the country, with many citizens welcoming accountability for leaders involved in the martial law episode.
