South Korea Appeals Court Reduces Former Prime Minister’s Sentence to 15 Years
Seoul, May 7 — A South Korean appeals court sharply reduced the prison sentence of former prime minister Han Duck-soo from 23 years to 15 years for his involvement in the controversial martial law declaration under former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The decision comes amid ongoing legal fallout over the brief yet chaotic suspension of civilian rule in December 2024.
The martial law order, which plunged South Korea into turmoil for roughly six hours before opposition lawmakers quickly voted to overturn it, led to severe repercussions for several government officials linked to the event. Han, who served under Yoon’s administration, was initially handed the unexpected heavy sentence in January on charges related to aiding the declaration.
Appeals Court Cites Han’s Long Public Service but Upholds Most Charges
The appeals court in Seoul ruled on May 7 that Han’s sentence should be reduced by eight years, acknowledging his more than 50 years as a public official prior to the incident. The presiding judge explained that there was a lack of clear evidence that Han had actively conspired or led the martial law operation.
“The records also make it difficult to find evidence showing that the defendant participated more actively in the insurrection, such as by conspiring in advance or systematically leading the operation,” the judge stated.
Despite this, the court criticized Han for abandoning his responsibilities and siding with those involved in the insurrection.
“He had experienced unconstitutional and unlawful martial law measures and insurrectionary situations himself, and was therefore well aware of the extensive damage and chaos such events could cause, as well as their seriousness and gravity,” the judge added.
Han, 76, has been in prison since the original sentence was handed down in January. His long career included multiple government roles such as finance minister, and he was recognized with several state awards prior to the scandal.
After Martial Law Vote, Han Helped Rescind Yoon’s Decree
The court highlighted that after the parliament voted to end martial law, Han convened and presided over a cabinet meeting on Yoon’s behalf to formally revoke the declaration. Han appeared composed during the verdict, listening without visible emotion while dressed in a white shirt and dark suit.
Wider Political Fallout Continues for Yoon’s Circle
This verdict is the latest in a series of appeals involving figures close to former President Yoon. Just last week, Yoon’s own jail term was increased from five to seven years for obstructing justice. He remains incarcerated serving a life sentence for leading the insurrection. Meanwhile, Yoon’s wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee, also saw her corruption sentence rise to four years after an appeals court overturned a prior acquittal on stock manipulation and bribery charges unrelated to martial law.
For U.S. readers, this high-profile political turmoil in South Korea underscores how swiftly governments can shift, the intense scrutiny officials face worldwide, and the complex fallout when democratic rules are suspended—even briefly. Alabama taxpayers and leaders may find lessons in this case about the delicate balance between executive power and civilian oversight.
The case now appears at or near final appeal stages, with close eyes on whether further legal maneuvers will arise. Han’s reduced sentence, while lighter than before, remains a severe punishment highlighting his enduring accountability for one of South Korea’s most disruptive political crises in recent years.
What to Watch Next
South Korean courts continue to untangle the full consequences of Yoon’s December 2024 martial law declaration. Political watchers across Asia and U.S. observers will follow any new developments closely, especially as appeals and other legal outcomes for Yoon’s associates could reshape the nation’s political landscape.
The Alabama Report will provide updates as this story develops.
