Seoul Central District Court judge Lee Jin-gwan on 21/1 sentenced former South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison. "The defendant disregarded his duties and responsibilities as prime minister until the very last moment. We sentence the defendant to 23 years in prison", the judge stated.

Judge Lee's sentence was eight years longer than the prosecution's recommendation. The judge added that the martial law decree, issued by Han's superior, former president Yoon Suk-yeol, in 12/2024, aimed to "overthrow the constitutional order" and constituted rebellion.

"The defendant is believed to have played a significant role in the rebellious acts of Yoon and others by ensuring, at least formally, compliance with the requirements", the judge said.

Former South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo in Seoul in 11/2025. Photo: AFP

According to the judge, Han "expressed concerns to Yoon" regarding the martial law declaration, but "did not explicitly object" nor did he urge cabinet members to advise Yoon to abandon his intention.

Throughout the trial, Han denied all wrongdoing, asserting he never supported or assisted in the martial law declaration. The 76-year-old former prime minister was ordered to report to prison immediately after the court's verdict.

When declaring martial law on 3/12/2024, former president Yoon cited "a threat from North Korea", calling the parliament a "den of criminals" and "anti-state forces". He deployed armed soldiers to the parliament headquarters to prevent lawmakers from voting to reject martial law but failed.

Yoon was arrested in a predawn raid in 1/2025, becoming the first sitting president of South Korea to be apprehended. He was impeached in 4/2025 and tried for rebellion and other charges related to the martial law declaration. Prosecutors last week recommended a death sentence for him.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Yonhap, Reuters)