A South Korean court has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his involvement in what it ruled was an act of rebellion. The case centres on the imposition of martial law by then President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024.
Court Rules Martial Law Imposition Constituted Rebellion
The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Wednesday that the 2024 imposition of martial law by then President Yoon Suk Yeol constituted an act of rebellion. This pivotal legal finding formed the basis for the severe sentence handed to Han Duck-soo, who served as prime minister under Yoon.
First Conviction in Broader Legal Saga
Ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has become the first official from the Yoon administration to be convicted on rebellion charges directly related to the martial law imposition. Han was appointed by Yoon to the prime minister role, the second-highest post in South Korea, and served as one of three caretaker leaders during the tumultuous martial law crisis.
That crisis ultimately led to Yoon's impeachment and subsequent removal from office. The court's verdict is widely expected to set a significant precedent, establishing the legal framework for upcoming rulings involving Yoon himself and his other associates, who also face serious rebellion charges.
Grave Charges and Pending Rulings
Rebellion is considered one of the most severe charges under South Korean law, carrying extremely heavy penalties. In a related development, an independent counsel has recently demanded the death penalty for former President Yoon, who stands accused of masterminding the rebellion.
The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to rule on Yoon's own rebellion charges on February 19, a date now watched with intense anticipation following this initial conviction. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, marking a critical chapter in South Korea's political and judicial history.
