Former South Korean PM Gets 23 Years In Prison For Role In 2024 Martial Law Insurrection

Last Updated:January 21, 2026, 19:07 IST

Han Duck-soo was sentenced for his role in the 2024 martial law insurrection linked to ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in December of that year.

Former South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo (C) arrives at the Seoul Central District Court for his first sentencing trial. (AFP Photo)

A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his role in the 2024 martial law insurrection linked to ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law in December of that year.

Han, 76, is the first former cabinet minister to be convicted on criminal charges directly connected to the martial law declaration, a ruling legal experts say could set a precedent for other cases.

The Seoul Central District Court found Han guilty of playing a key role in creating the appearance of a cabinet meeting that allowed the declaration to proceed, which the judge described as a “top-down insurrection."

Han was also found to have discussed plans to block the functioning of major institutions, including parliament, as part of the insurrection. He was additionally convicted on charges of perjury and falsifying official documents.

“The defendant was a prime minister who had been indirectly given democratic legitimacy and responsibility … Nevertheless, the defendant chose to turn a blind eye… and participate as a member of the December 3 insurrection," the judge said, adding that South Korea faced the risk of returning to a period when citizens’ rights and democratic freedoms were violated.

Han denied wrongdoing on all charges except perjury, stating he regretted not preventing Yoon from declaring martial law but “never agreed to it or tried to help."

The 23-year sentence exceeds the 15-year term sought by prosecutors in November. Han was detained immediately after the ruling and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Han is a veteran technocrat who served under five presidents and briefly became acting president after Yoon’s impeachment, before facing his own impeachment over the martial law incident.

Meanwhile, Yoon, who faces multiple trials including a charge of masterminding the insurrection, was sentenced last week to five years in prison and has also appealed.

(With inputs from Reuters)

News world Former South Korean PM Gets 23 Years In Prison For Role In 2024 Martial Law Insurrection

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