A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his role in a failed martial law order that briefly disrupted civilian rule and plunged the country into political turmoil. The ruling was delivered by the Seoul Central District Court, which found Han guilty of supporting an illegal attempt to undermine the constitution.
Role in Failed Martial Law
The court ruled that Han backed the controversial martial law declaration issued in December 2024 by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol. According to the judges, the move was aimed at weakening democratic institutions and subverting constitutional order. Armed troops were deployed to key state bodies, including the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, before lawmakers moved swiftly to block the order.
Judge Cites Failure of Duty
Presiding Judge Lee Jin-gwan said Han had failed to uphold his responsibilities as prime minister, accusing him of allowing the plan to proceed without clear opposition.
“We sentence the defendant to 23 years in prison,” Judge Lee said, adding that Han had “disregarded his duty and responsibility as prime minister until the very end.”
The sentence exceeded prosecutors’ request by eight years, and the 76-year-old was taken into custody immediately after the verdict.
Enabling an Illegal Power Grab
In a televised ruling, the court acknowledged that Han had expressed concerns to President Yoon but concluded that he did not explicitly oppose the plan or urge cabinet members to stop it. Instead, judges said, he helped ensure the process appeared legally valid.
“The defendant is deemed to have played a significant role in the insurrectionary acts of Yoon and others,” Judge Lee said, describing the episode as a government-led power grab often referred to as a “palace coup.” Han was also convicted of lying under oath during the trial.
Political Fallout and Ongoing Cases
The martial law crisis triggered a major national upheaval, leading the Constitutional Court to remove President Yoon from office in April 2025 and prompting early elections. Han later served briefly as acting president and attempted an unsuccessful presidential run after resigning in May.
The ruling follows the sentencing of former President Yoon to five years in prison for obstructing justice and related offenses. Yoon is still awaiting a separate verdict on charges that he led the illegal martial law action, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. That decision is expected on February 19.
Comments 1