Ex-South Korean PM Sentenced to 23 Years Over Martial Law Case

A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for insurrection and related charges stemming from former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in December 2024.

The Seoul Central District Court found the 76-year-old guilty of playing a key role in facilitating the declaration, making him the first former cabinet minister convicted over criminal charges directly linked to martial law, a ruling legal experts say could shape upcoming trials.

According to the judge, Han was “instrumental in setting up the outward appearance of a cabinet meeting that facilitated the declaration,” describing the move as a “top-down insurrection.” The court also ruled that Han discussed plans to block the functions of key institutions, including parliament.

“The defendant was a prime minister who had been indirectly given democratic legitimacy and responsibility. Nevertheless, the defendant chose to turn a blind eye and participate as a member of the December 3 insurrection,” the judge said.

“As a result, South Korea was in danger of returning to the dark past when the basic rights and liberal democratic order of the people were violated, potentially preventing them from escaping dictatorship for a long time.”

The court convicted Han of “engaging in (the) key action of insurrection,” as well as perjury and falsifying an official document. The 23-year sentence exceeded the 15 years sought by prosecutors, an unusual move in South Korean judicial proceedings.

“I will humbly follow the judge’s decision,” Han said after the ruling.

Han had denied wrongdoing on all charges except perjury, previously stating that while he regretted failing to stop the martial law declaration, he “never agreed to it or tried to help.”

Han was taken into custody immediately after sentencing. His lawyer confirmed the ruling would be appealed to the Supreme Court.

“This ruling is something that citizens who oppose martial law can fully accept,” said 23-year-old commuter Kim Su-hyeon, who watched the news at a train station.

Han, a veteran technocrat who served under five presidents, briefly became acting president after Yoon was impeached, before his own impeachment was overturned by the Constitutional Court. He later resigned to contest a snap presidential election but withdrew amid conservative infighting.

“I don’t know whether this elderly man (Han) meant to devote himself to the people of South Korea in his own way, but the outcome wasn’t good,” said 79-year-old commuter Kim In-sik.

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces eight separate trials, was sentenced last week to five years in prison for obstructing arrest attempts following martial law. He has appealed and awaits a February 19 ruling on the charge of “masterminding an insurrection,” for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.