A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison after finding him guilty of multiple charges, including participation in acts of insurrection linked to the December 2024 declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Han played a critical role in facilitating the declaration by helping create the appearance of a legitimate Cabinet meeting, which enabled the enforcement of martial law. The court described the episode as a “top-down insurrection.”
In delivering the verdict, the presiding judge said Han, despite holding a position of democratic responsibility, had deliberately ignored his duty to uphold constitutional order. The court stated that his actions placed South Korea at risk of reverting to an era in which basic rights and democratic freedoms were suppressed.
In addition to insurrection-related charges, Han was also convicted of perjury and falsifying official documents. He denied all accusations except for partial perjury. At 76 years old, Han became the first former Cabinet minister to receive a lower-court criminal conviction directly connected to the imposition of martial law. He was taken into custody immediately following the verdict.
The ruling is subject to appeal, and the court indicated that the case is likely to proceed to the Supreme Court.
Earlier this month, former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison in the first verdict arising from multiple criminal cases linked to the same martial law episode. Yoon was impeached, arrested, and removed from office after the declaration triggered mass protests and a major political crisis.
Yoon faces several additional trials, including a charge of rebellion for allegedly attempting to consolidate power through military rule. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty on that charge, with a court ruling expected on February 19. Yoon has denied attempting to impose long-term military control, claiming the move was intended as a warning to a parliament dominated by political opponents. However, investigators concluded that the declaration was aimed at extending his grip on power.
