Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Wednesday for his role in the declaration of martial law by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. Han, 76, is the first former cabinet minister convicted over charges directly linked to martial law, a decision experts say could influence other upcoming trials.
The Seoul Central District Court said Han helped create the appearance of a legitimate cabinet meeting that enabled the martial law declaration, calling it a “top-down insurrection.” The court also found he discussed plans to block the functioning of major institutions, including parliament, as part of the plot. The judge said Han, as prime minister, had democratic responsibilities but “turned a blind eye” and participated in the December 3 insurrection, putting South Korea at risk of returning to dictatorship.
Han was found guilty of engaging in key actions of insurrection, as well as perjury and forging official documents. After the ruling, Han said he would “humbly follow the judge’s decision,” while continuing to deny wrongdoing on all charges except perjury. He had previously stated that he regretted being unable to stop Yoon but never supported or helped the martial law move.
The sentence of 23 years is notable because it exceeds the 15-year term prosecutors had sought. Han was immediately detained and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Han has served in senior government positions under five presidents. He briefly became acting president after Yoon was impeached but was later impeached himself over his role in the martial law declaration. His impeachment was overturned by the Constitutional Court, allowing him to resume leadership duties before resigning to run in a snap election, which he later abandoned due to conservative party divisions.
Yoon, who faces eight separate trials, received a five-year sentence last week for obstructing arrest attempts after martial law. He has appealed, and another ruling on the most serious charge of “masterminding an insurrection” is expected on February 19. Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Yoon, although South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.
