UPDATE: Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in a failed insurrection linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol‘s controversial martial law declaration. The ruling, delivered on January 21, 2025, marks a significant moment in South Korea’s political landscape, as Han becomes the first official from the Yoon administration convicted of treason.
The court’s verdict specifically identified the December 3, 2024 attempt at martial law as an act of treason, prompting immediate detention of Han. The judge, Lee Jin Kwan, described the event as a “self-coup” that posed a unique threat to democracy, rejecting prosecutors’ call for a 15-year sentence due to the severity of the offense.
In a televised statement, Judge Lee emphasized Han’s failure to prevent the insurrection, stating that he “chose to join” it instead. The court found no signs of remorse, highlighting Han’s attempts to conceal evidence and lies during the trial. A particularly damaging piece of evidence involved a December 8 phone call where Han instructed an aide to destroy documents related to the martial law decree.
Han, a veteran diplomat who served under five different presidents, had been appointed Prime Minister by Yoon in May 2022, making him the longest-serving prime minister in the country’s history. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence, claiming he opposed the martial law plans privately.
This landmark ruling sets the stage for further legal proceedings against Yoon and his associates, who also face treason-related charges. The public is closely watching Yoon’s upcoming insurrection trial, scheduled for February 19, where prosecutors have demanded the death penalty.
The sentencing of Han Duck Soo underscores a turbulent chapter in South Korea’s political history, raising questions about the stability of the current administration and its accountability. As the nation grapples with these developments, citizens are left to ponder the implications for democracy and governance in the country.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the legal battles unfold, impacting the future of South Korea’s leadership and political integrity.
