Seoul: A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison in connection with a case linked to the imposition of martial law in December 2024.
The case stems from the controversial decision by former President Yoon Suk Yeol to declare martial law on December 3, 2024, a move that triggered nationwide protests and a major political crisis. Han was serving as prime minister at the time of the declaration.
Former President Yoon was recently sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the martial law episode. Han, 76, has become the first former cabinet minister in South Korea to be convicted on criminal charges directly related to the enforcement of martial law.
The Seoul Central District Court held Han guilty of attempting to provide legal legitimacy to the martial law order by pushing it through a cabinet meeting. One of the presiding judges described the act as “tantamount to rebellion.”
Han, however, denied wrongdoing and maintained that he had opposed Yoon’s martial law plan. He is expected to appeal against the verdict.
Legal experts believe the ruling could influence other ongoing trials linked to the 2024 crisis.
Following the brief imposition of martial law, former President Yoon faced impeachment, arrest and removal from office. He is also facing a separate charge of rebellion, for which prosecutors have sought the death penalty. A verdict in that case is expected next month.
