The Central District Court of Seoul sentenced former Prime Minister Han Dok-soo to 23 years in prison on Wednesday, January 21, according to DW. The court proceedings established that he played a "key role" in the imposition of martial law in the country in 2024, despite the prosecution only seeking 15 years of imprisonment.
Han Dok-soo was found guilty of attempting to legitimize President Yoon Suk-yeol's decree on the imposition of martial law by approving it at a cabinet meeting. Additionally, he is charged with falsification and destruction of the relevant decree. The former prime minister was also accused of giving false testimony during Yoon's impeachment process, where he claimed he was unaware of the decree.
During the court hearings, the ex-prime minister asserted that he expressed his disagreement with the imposition of martial law to the former president. However, the court concluded that Han neglected his duties to protect the constitution and chose to participate in the insurrection attempt, believing it could succeed. The politician has the right to appeal the court's decision.
Earlier, on January 16, former President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to five years in prison by the Central District Court of Seoul on several charges related to his attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. He was found guilty of falsifying official documents and failing to adhere to mandatory procedures for imposing martial law.
This decision was the first in a series of four criminal cases brought against Yoon concerning his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law. In one of the three other cases, the former president is accused of leading an insurrection, with a verdict expected in February.
Political crisis in South Korea at the end of 2024
The crisis began in early December 2024 when, amid budget disputes, Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly announced the imposition of martial law, justifying it by citing "anti-state activities" by the opposition. Parliament rejected this decision, and the next morning the president had to revoke it. On December 14, lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Yoon, and Han Dok-soo was appointed acting president. In April 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment decision.
On January 15, Yoon was arrested for the second time - the first attempt was unsuccessful due to resistance from his security detail. Initially, the court issued a warrant for the former president's arrest, but on March 8, it granted the defense's request and released him. In July, Yoon was arrested again.
