Former PM Han Duck-soo Sentenced to 23 Years for 2024 Insurrection Role

23 years in prison. The South Korean judiciary has sent a thunderous message to those who orchestrated and aided the short-lived martial law decree of December 2024. In a landmark ruling on January 21, 2026, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was found guilty of playing a pivotal role in what the court officially labeled an 'insurrection'.

The Han Duck-soo 23-Year Prison Sentence and Judicial Precedent

The Seoul Central District Court handed down a sentence significantly heavier than the 15 years sought by the special counsel. Presiding Judge Lee Jin-gwan ordered Han into immediate custody, citing the severity of the crimes and the risk of evidence destruction. The court ruled that Han wasn't just a passive observer but an active participant who proposed the Cabinet meeting to facilitate the decree and encouraged the suppression of critical media outlets.

During the live-televised hearing, Judge Lee emphasized that as a Prime Minister, Han had a sacred duty to defend the Constitution. Instead, he neglected this responsibility, choosing to join the insurrection under the belief that the Dec. 3 attempt might succeed. The court also convicted Han of perjury for his false testimonies at the Constitutional Court regarding his knowledge of the martial law plans.

Defining the 'Self-Coup' and Civil Resistance

The court's decision was clear: the actions of former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Cabinet amounted to a 'self-coup.' While the martial law was lifted after only 6 hours, the judge noted this wasn't due to the defendants' restraint, but rather the 'courage of the people' who confronted armed troops at the National Assembly. Han has been transferred to the Seoul Detention Center, where Yoon has also been held since July 2025.

What This Means for Yoon Suk Yeol's Upcoming Verdict

This ruling sets a grim precedent for former President Yoon, whose own trial concluded last week. With the special counsel seeking the death penalty for Yoon as the ringleader, Han's heavy sentence suggests the judiciary intends to apply the strictest interpretation of the law. Yoon's verdict is scheduled for February 19, 2026.