South Korea Lowers Former PM’s Sentence in Coup Scandal

In a significant development, South Korea’s appeals court has lowered the prison sentence of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in a pivotal martial law rebellion case linked to ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol. This adjustment follows a political crisis initiated by a failed declaration of martial law in December 2024.

On Thursday, the Seoul High Court amended Han's sentence from 23 years to 15 years. Although the majority of grave charges against him were upheld, the judges chose to lessen the punishment, considering both the case's overall context and prior rulings concerning other implicated officials.

The court affirmed that Han was instrumental in endorsing the unlawful martial law decree established by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol. Prosecutors alleged that Han attempted to legitimize the emergency declaration by orchestrating a Cabinet meeting and deliberating on plans that involved media restrictions.

Furthermore, the judges upheld convictions on charges of falsifying martial law records, eliminating official documents, and delivering misleading testimony during investigations. The court stressed that Han neglected his responsibilities as the second-ranking official in governance and engaged in actions detrimental to the nation’s constitutional integrity.

This martial law crisis stands as one of the most critical political events in South Korea's modern era. The declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol sparked widespread political unrest and considerable public backlash. The government's actions led to legal investigations, impeachment proceedings, and criminal proceedings against several senior officials.

Earlier this year, former President Yoon Suk Yeol received a life sentence after being convicted of rebellion linked to the martial law order. Several involved officials, including former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, also faced prison terms, with Lee receiving a seven-year sentence.

Legal experts in Seoul indicated that while the appeals court still regarded Han’s offenses as severe, it likely aimed to ensure consistency with penalties imposed on other officials. Analysts suggest that the 15-year reduction indicates the court's effort to align accountability with broader legal precedents in similar cases.

At 76, Han Duck-soo has had a lengthy public career, serving as Prime Minister twice. His tenures included serving under former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun and later returning to office during conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration. Amid the political turmoil, Han also briefly took on the role of caretaker leader following Yoon's suspension.

Prosecutors and Han’s legal team now have a week to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of South Korea. As the nation continues to grapple with the lasting political implications of the botched martial law effort, this case remains a focal point of national attention.