S. Korea’s former premier gets sent for more than two decades in prison
The ruling was issued by a central court in Seoul, which determined that the martial law declaration made on Dec. 3, 2024, amounted to an act of insurrection. This decision represents the first judicial determination formally characterizing the episode in those terms.
During the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge stated that Han, in his role as prime minister, held a constitutional obligation to protect democratic governance and uphold the rule of law, but failed to fulfill that responsibility. “The defendant had a duty as a prime minister indirectly given democratic legitimacy and the responsibility for it to follow the Constitution and laws and make every effort to realize and defend the Constitution,” the judge said. “Even so, he neglected this duty and responsibility until the end, thinking the Dec. 3 insurrection might succeed, and chose to take part as a member.”
The court imposed a sentence that exceeded what prosecutors had requested. Han had been accused of assisting the leader of the insurrection, playing a central role in the attempt, and providing false testimony during the investigation.
Han, 76, served as prime minister under Yoon, who was removed from office last year after lawmakers rushed to parliament and voted to overturn the martial law declaration. The failed attempt was halted when legislators convened an emergency session and moved quickly to block the measure.
The conviction marks the first time a member of Yoon’s Cabinet has been found guilty in connection with the failed martial law effort. Meanwhile, Yoon himself was sentenced last week to five years in prison for obstructing investigators’ attempts to detain him. Prosecutors are also seeking the death penalty against Yoon on insurrection charges, with a court ruling on that case scheduled for Feb. 19.
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