South Korea jails ex-premier Han for 2024 martial law plot case
A South Korean court has sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his involvement in a failed martial law attempt under the administration of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol. The ruling formally defines the December 2024 declaration as an insurrection and marks the first conviction of a senior cabinet member linked to the crisis.
A court in South Korea has handed a 23-year prison sentence to former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo over his role in a failed bid to impose martial law in December 2024. The verdict, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court, confirms for the first time that the declaration constituted an insurrection, according to local media reports.
First cabinet conviction in martial law case
Han, 76, served as prime minister under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last year following the controversial martial law move. The court ruling makes Han the first member of Yoon’s cabinet to be criminally convicted in connection with the attempt.
Lawmakers halted declaration
The martial law order collapsed within hours after lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly in Seoul and passed a resolution rejecting the declaration. The swift parliamentary response was widely seen as a critical moment in defending South Korea’s constitutional order.
Legal pressure on former president Yoon
Yoon Suk Yeol was separately sentenced last week to five years in prison for obstructing investigators during an attempt to detain him. A special prosecutor has also sought the death penalty for Yoon on insurrection charges, with a court decision expected on Feb. 19. The case is being closely followed by regional partners, including Türkiye, due to its implications for democratic governance in East Asia.
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