Seoul

A South Korean court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison, ruling that the 2024 imposition of martial law by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol amounted to an act of rebellion.

Han, who served as the prime minister and was one of three caretaker leaders during the martial law crisis, is the first senior official from the Yoon administration to be convicted on rebellion charges related to the controversial December 2024 decree. The case stems from actions taken during the crisis that ultimately led to President Yoon’s impeachment and removal from office.

Rebellion is among the most severe offenses under South Korean law. The independent counsel has previously recommended the death penalty for Yoon, who faces allegations of orchestrating the rebellion. The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Yoon’s charges on February 19.

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Legal analysts suggest that Han’s conviction could influence the outcomes of related trials against other Yoon-era officials, highlighting the judiciary’s firm stance against abuse of executive power and efforts to undermine democratic institutions. The verdict also sends a strong message on accountability for senior leaders involved in actions that threaten constitutional governance.