Seoul: A South Korean court has sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his involvement in a failed attempt to impose martial law during the administration of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Seoul Central District Court declared the December 3, 2024, martial law declaration an insurrection.

According to Anadolu Agency, this marks the first judicial ruling to formally define the episode as such. Presiding Judge Lee Jin-gwan stated that Han had a constitutional duty, as prime minister, to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law but failed to fulfill this responsibility. Judge Lee emphasized that Han neglected his duty, believing the December 3 insurrection might succeed, and chose to participate as a member.

The court imposed a heavier sentence than what prosecutors had initially sought. The special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, charged Han with abetting the ringleader of an insurrection, playing a key role in the attempt, and committing perjury. Han, aged 76, served as prime minister under Yoon, who was ousted from office last year after lawmakers convened in an emergency session to block the martial law declaration.

This ruling represents the first conviction of a member of Yoon’s Cabinet over the failed attempt. Yoon himself was sentenced last week to five years in prison on charges of obstructing investigators’ attempts to detain him last year. Additionally, a special prosecutor has sought the death penalty for Yoon on insurrection charges, with a court ruling scheduled for February 19.

Judge Lee described Yoon’s actions as a ‘self-coup,’ highlighting the seriousness of the case. Meanwhile, Yoon’s legal team has denied perjury charges related to a Cabinet meeting held prior to the martial law declaration, rejecting allegations of false statements during the proceedings.