UPDATE: Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted insurrection during ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol‘s controversial martial law declaration. The ruling was delivered on January 21, 2025, marking Han as the first official from the Yoon administration convicted of treason.
This landmark verdict comes in the wake of the December 3, 2024, martial law attempt, which the court deemed a direct act of treason against the democratic institution of South Korea. Judge Lee Jin Kwan stated that the event represented a “self-coup” by elected power, posing a significant threat to democracy.
The court found that Han actively participated in creating the facade of a legitimate cabinet meeting to lend credibility to the martial law decree. Prosecutors initially sought a 15-year sentence, but the judge rejected this request, citing precedents from previous military coups as a basis for the harsh punishment.
“While Han’s duty as prime minister was to prevent the insurrection, he chose to join it instead,” Judge Lee said in a televised verdict.
Crucial evidence included a recorded phone call on December 8, where Han instructed an aide to destroy documents related to the martial law, indicating he was aware of Yoon’s plans before the public announcement. The court also convicted him of forgery, destruction of presidential records, and perjury during impeachment proceedings against Yoon.
Han Duck Soo is a seasoned diplomat with a history of serving under five different presidents. Appointed by Yoon in May 2022, he became the longest-serving prime minister under any single president in South Korean history. Throughout the trial, Han maintained his innocence, claiming he did not support the martial law initiative and had privately opposed it.
The ramifications of Han’s sentencing are profound. It sets the stage for future trials involving President Yoon and his associates, who are also facing treason-related allegations. The public is particularly focused on Yoon’s upcoming insurrection trial, scheduled for February 19, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for him.
This unprecedented ruling highlights the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding democratic principles in the face of governmental overreach. As the situation develops, it is essential for citizens and observers to remain informed about the implications of these proceedings on the future of South Korean governance and democracy.
