Former Prime Minister’s Sentence Reduced Amidst South Korean Political Turmoil
In a significant legal development, a South Korean appeals court has lessened the prison sentence of Han Duck-soo, a former prime minister, who was found guilty of rebellion related to a controversial martial law imposition. This decision comes after the original 23-year sentence handed down by a Seoul court in January, which has now been reduced to 15 years by the Seoul High Court.
Han, who was appointed by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, had been involved in the December 2024 imposition of martial law—a move that led to heavy legal repercussions for those involved. Yoon himself received a life sentence for rebellion the following month, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The Seoul High Court maintained many of Han’s convictions, including his attempts to legitimize the unlawful decree during a Cabinet meeting and for plotting to cut utilities to key media outlets. Additionally, he was convicted for falsifying the martial law proclamation, destroying it, and perjury.
Highlighting Han’s significant role in the rebellion, the court remarked on his “criminal liabilities” and noted his failure to uphold his considerable responsibilities as the second-in-command in Yoon’s administration. This sentiment was echoed by Park SungBae, a criminal law expert, who noted that both court levels considered Han’s actions to be severe. However, the appellate court’s 15-year term aligns with sentences given to other officials implicated in the martial law affair, such as Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, who was sentenced to seven years in prison.
The special prosecutor initially recommended a 15-year sentence for Han at the trial’s outset in the Seoul Central District Court. The 23-year sentence initially given was unexpected but still within a reasonable range for the offenses committed. Both Han and the prosecutor now have a week to challenge the appeals court’s decision in the Supreme Court.
Han, 76, is a seasoned bureaucrat with a distinguished 40-year public service career, having served as prime minister twice. His first tenure was under liberal President Roh Moo-hyun from 2007 to 2008, followed by a role under the conservative Yoon. Han was one of the interim leaders after Yoon’s suspension due to the martial law controversy.
The aftermath of these events saw Yoon’s impeachment by lawmakers, followed by his permanent removal from office by the Constitutional Court in April last year. Lee Jae Myung, Yoon’s liberal adversary, emerged victorious in a subsequent snap election, marking a shift in South Korea’s political landscape.
