Ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo sentenced to 23 years for rebellion over Yoon's martial law
A Seoul court convicted ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of rebellion over then-President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law, sentencing him to 23 years amid trials.
Overview
Seoul Central District Court found Han Duck-soo guilty Wednesday of abetting a rebellion by endorsing Yoon's December 2024 martial law proclamation, sentencing him to 23 years.
Court concluded Yoon's martial law equated to a 'self-coup', citing troops and police deployed to Parliament and election offices to undermine constitutional order.
Han was convicted of falsifying and destroying the martial law proclamation, lying under oath, and failing to hold a lawful cabinet meeting as required by law.
Han denies prior knowledge of Yoon's plan and says he opposed martial law; the court ordered immediate detention and cited evidence-destruction concerns.
Han's verdict is expected to influence upcoming rulings for Yoon, who faces multiple trials including an insurrection case with a verdict scheduled for Feb. 19.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the story as factual court reporting, attributing evaluative language to the court and actors rather than the reporting voice. They include prosecution and defense statements, key judicial quotes, procedural context (upcoming trials, sentences requested) and avoid loaded editorializing, supporting a neutral, balanced account.
Sources (3)
FAQ
On December 3, 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law citing 'pro-North Korean forces,' deploying troops to Parliament and election offices, but it was repealed by the National Assembly within hours and revoked shortly after.[1]
Han Duck-soo was convicted of abetting rebellion by endorsing Yoon's martial law, falsifying documents, perjury, and failing to hold a proper cabinet meeting, receiving a 23-year prison sentence with immediate detention.[1]
Han denies prior knowledge of Yoon's plan, claims he opposed martial law, and admitted only partial perjury while denying other wrongdoing.
The verdict is expected to influence Yoon's upcoming trials, including an insurrection case with a verdict scheduled for February 19.[1]
Investigations target figures like former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, Army Chief Park An-su, and others including police and military leaders.
History
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