Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's Martial Law Case: Appellate Court Reduces Sentence to 15 Years
Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's sentence for crimes related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration was reduced from 23 to 15 years by an appellate court. The court considered his public service but also noted his abuse of authority.
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- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 12:36
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South Korea Martial Law Key News
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Seoul, 7th, comprehensive foreign report) Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was sentenced for crimes related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law, had his sentence reduced by 8 years to 15 years by an appellate court today.
AFP reported that Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024 briefly suspended the rule of the elected government, plunging South Korea into chaos. However, the martial law lasted only about 6 hours after opposition lawmakers quickly voted to overturn it.
Due to Han Duck-soo's involvement in issuing the martial law decree, a lower court in January this year sentenced him to a heavy 23-year prison term, which was harsher than expected.
The Seoul Appellate Court today reduced Han Duck-soo's sentence by 8 years, with the presiding judge announcing: "We sentence the defendant to 15 years in prison."
The appellate court largely upheld Han Duck-soo's guilty verdict but reduced his sentence, considering that he "had served in public office for over 50 years before the martial law declaration."
The presiding judge said: "The relevant records make it difficult to find evidence showing that the defendant was more actively involved in the rebellion, such as prior conspiracy or systematically leading actions."
However, the judge also pointed out that Han Duck-soo "betrayed the significant responsibilities entrusted by his authority and position, instead aligning himself with those involved in the rebellion."
Han Duck-soo, dressed in a white shirt and dark suit but without a tie, showed little emotion as he listened to the verdict.
The 76-year-old veteran technocrat has been detained since his sentencing in January. (Edited by Chang Hsiao-wen) 1150507
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Seoul, 7th, comprehensive foreign report) Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was sentenced for crimes related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law, had his sentence reduced by 8 years to 15 years by an appellate court today.
AFP reported that Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024 briefly suspended the rule of the elected government, plunging South Korea into chaos. However, the martial law lasted only about 6 hours after opposition lawmakers quickly voted to overturn it.
Due to Han Duck-soo's involvement in issuing the martial law decree, a lower court in January this year sentenced him to a heavy 23-year prison term, which was harsher than expected.
The Seoul Appellate Court today reduced Han Duck-soo's sentence by 8 years, with the presiding judge announcing: "We sentence the defendant to 15 years in prison."
The appellate court largely upheld Han Duck-soo's guilty verdict but reduced his sentence, considering that he "had served in public office for over 50 years before the martial law declaration."
The presiding judge said: "The relevant records make it difficult to find evidence showing that the defendant was more actively involved in the rebellion, such as prior conspiracy or systematically leading actions."
However, the judge also pointed out that Han Duck-soo "betrayed the significant responsibilities entrusted by his authority and position, instead aligning himself with those involved in the rebellion."
Han Duck-soo, dressed in a white shirt and dark suit but without a tie, showed little emotion as he listened to the verdict.
The 76-year-old veteran technocrat has been detained since his sentencing in January. (Edited by Chang Hsiao-wen) 1150507
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.