South Korea Court Jails former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo after a landmark ruling on Wednesday. The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Han to 23 years in prison. Judges convicted him for his role in actions linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration in December 2024.
The court said Han helped create the appearance of a cabinet meeting. This step enabled the declaration of martial law. The judge described the act as a “top-down insurrection.” He added that Han ignored his democratic responsibility and chose to participate in the illegal process.
Moreover, the court warned that Han’s actions placed South Korea’s democratic order at risk. It said the country faced the danger of returning to authoritarian rule. The ruling also found Han guilty of perjury and forging an official document.
Han denied most charges. However, he admitted partial perjury during earlier proceedings. At 76, he became the first former cabinet minister convicted over crimes tied directly to martial law.
Authorities detained Han immediately after the verdict. Meanwhile, the court confirmed that Han can appeal the ruling. Judges expect the case to reach the Supreme Court in the coming months.
