BREAKING: Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted insurrection during a controversial declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The verdict was announced on January 21, 2025, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the nation.
The court ruled that the December 3, 2024, martial law attempt constituted an act of treason, with Judge Lee Jin Kwan emphasizing that the actions posed a severe threat to South Korea’s democratic institutions. Han is the first official from the Yoon administration to face treason charges, marking a significant development in ongoing political turmoil.
In a televised statement, Judge Lee described the event as a “self-coup” orchestrated by elected officials, highlighting Han’s role in legitimizing the illegal martial law meeting. The prosecution had initially sought a 15-year prison term, but the judge deemed this insufficient, citing historical precedents from previous military coups.
During the trial, the court uncovered compelling evidence against Han, including a December 8 phone call where he instructed an aide to destroy a document related to the martial law declaration, indicating that he was aware of Yoon’s plans hours before they were made public. The court also found him guilty of forging documents, destroying presidential records, and perjury during Yoon’s impeachment proceedings.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Han has maintained his innocence, claiming he opposed the martial law plans privately. His long tenure as Prime Minister, appointed in May 2022, has made him the longest-serving official under any single president in South Korea’s history.
This landmark ruling is expected to set the stage for further trials involving Yoon Suk Yeol and other associates who are also facing treason-related accusations. Public interest will be particularly focused on Yoon’s impending trial set for February 19, where prosecutors are reportedly seeking the death penalty.
The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, as the South Korean public grapples with the fallout of political betrayal and the integrity of their democratic institutions. As the situation develops, many are left questioning the future of the Yoon administration and the stability of the government.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical story unfolds.
