"Prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for Mr. Han on charges including aiding the leader of a rebellion, perjury, forging official documents, and destroying public records," prosecutor Park Ji-young told reporters at a press conference on 24/8.

Han Duck-soo speaks in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2024. Photo: Reuters

Han Duck-soo speaks in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2024. Photo: Reuters

As prime minister, Mr. Han "had a key role in ensuring the president fulfilled his responsibilities to protect the country and the constitution. Mr. Han's failure to do so formed the basis for today’s request," Park said.

The court will assess the validity of the request to arrest 76-year-old Han in the coming days. If approved, it would be the first time in South Korean history that both a former president and prime minister have been jailed. Former first lady Kim Keon-hee has also been arrested on charges of stock manipulation.

Yoon was first arrested in January on charges of "rebellion" for imposing martial law in Seoul late last year. He was released in March after the Seoul Central District Court overturned an arrest warrant from the Anti-Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials.

South Korea's Constitutional Court removed Yoon from the presidency in April. On 10/7, the Seoul Central District Court issued a second arrest warrant for him to investigate new allegations related to the martial law order.

Han once served as acting president and was considered a strong conservative candidate in South Korea's June election. He resigned as prime minister in May to pursue the presidency but failed early on when Yoon's party refused to nominate him.

Vu Hoang (AFP)