SEOUL — A South Korean court on Wednesday handed former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo a 23-year prison sentence after finding him guilty of insurrection and related crimes connected to the controversial martial law declaration in December 2024. This marks the first time a senior official from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration has been convicted in connection with the political crisis that shook South Korea’s democratic institutions.
The Seoul Central District Court concluded that Han, 76, played a central role in abetting efforts to give procedural legitimacy to the martial law order issued by then-President Yoon. Prosecutors and the court said Han helped orchestrate an unlawful cabinet meeting that facilitated the decree and failed to uphold his constitutional responsibility to uphold democratic norms.
Judge Lee Jin-gwan described the events of December 3, 2024, as a “top-down insurrection” that endangered South Korea’s democratic order. The ruling noted that Han not only participated in actions to support the martial law declaration but also falsified official documents and lied under oath during impeachment proceedings.
Han was immediately taken into custody after the verdict. He has the right to appeal the decision, which is expected to move to the Supreme Court. Initially, prosecutors had recommended a 15-year sentence, but the judge imposed a tougher penalty, saying the severity of the constitutional crisis justified a harsher term.
The case stems from former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s attempt to declare martial law amid escalating political tensions and protests in late 2024. Yoon was later impeached and removed from office. In a separate ruling last week, Yoon himself received a five-year prison sentence on charges that included obstructing justice and falsifying documents linked to his effort to mobilize martial law — though more serious charges, including rebellion, are still pending.
The court’s verdict has reignited national debate on political accountability and the role of government leaders in safeguarding constitutional democracy. Legal experts say these rulings could shape future interpretations of executive power and the limits of emergency declarations in South Korea.
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