UPDATE: Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in an attempted insurrection linked to a failed martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The January 21, 2025 verdict marks a significant moment in South Korea’s political landscape, as Han becomes the first official from the Yoon administration convicted of treason.
The Seoul court declared the December 3, 2024 martial law attempt an act of treason and ordered Han’s immediate detention. Judge Lee Jin Kwan emphasized the gravity of the crime, labeling it a “self-coup” that posed a severe threat to democracy. This ruling is expected to have profound implications for the political future of Yoon Suk Yeol, who is also facing treason-related charges.
The judge highlighted the lack of remorse shown by Han, noting that he had lied throughout the trial and attempted to destroy key evidence. One critical piece of evidence was a phone call on December 8, where Han instructed an aide to eliminate a document associated with the martial law, indicating he was aware of Yoon’s plans before they were publicly announced.
Han, who has had a lengthy career serving five different presidents, was appointed Prime Minister in May 2022, making him the longest-serving official under a single presidency in South Korea’s history. Despite his influential position, Han maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming he did not support the martial law initiative and had opposed it privately.
The court’s ruling is poised to set the stage for future trials concerning Yoon and his associates, with the public eye now shifting to Yoon’s upcoming insurrection trial scheduled for February 19. Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Yoon, amplifying the urgency and tension surrounding this political crisis.
As the situation develops, South Koreans are closely monitoring the fallout from Han’s conviction and the broader implications it may have on the Yoon administration and the nation’s democracy. The ramifications of this case will likely resonate throughout the country for years to come, making it a critical moment in South Korea’s political history.
This urgent update is being closely followed by media outlets and analysts alike, as the political landscape continues to shift dramatically. Stay tuned for real-time updates on this developing story.
