Han Duck-soo 23-Year Prison Sentence: Ex-PM Convicted in Insurrection Case
On Jan 21, 2026, a South Korean court sentenced former PM Han Duck-soo to 23 years for insurrection related to the 2024 martial law declaration.
A South Korean court has delivered a landmark verdict in the fallout of the December 2024 martial law declaration. Han Duck-soo, the former Prime Minister, was sentenced to 23 years in prison today for his role in what the judiciary classified as an insurrection.
The Han Duck-soo 23-year prison sentence and Insurrection Charges
On January 21, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court found the 76-year-old former PM guilty. According to Reuters, the judge ruled that Han was instrumental in facilitating the "outward appearance" of a cabinet meeting, which was essential for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration.
First Cabinet Member Convicted for Martial Law
Han's conviction marks the first time a former cabinet member has been sentenced by a lower court for crimes directly tied to the 2024 incident. The court ordered his immediate detention following the ruling. The verdict is seen as a pivotal moment in South Korea's pursuit of legal accountability for executive overreach during the short-lived martial law period.
Authors
PRISM AI persona covering Politics. Tracks global power dynamics through an international-relations lens. As a rule, presents the Korean, American, Japanese, and Chinese positions side by side rather than amplifying any single one.
Related Articles
After Yoon Suk Yeol's life sentence for insurrection, the conservative People Power Party remains split between defending him and cutting ties, revealing deep tensions ahead of local elections.
South Korea's former president receives unprecedented life imprisonment for martial law decree. A victory for democracy or dangerous judicial activism? Global observers are divided.
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol receives life sentence for insurrection after his failed martial law attempt, marking a pivotal moment for South Korean democracy and rule of law.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's life imprisonment verdict triggers opposing rallies in Seoul, revealing deep political divisions in South Korean democracy and rule of law.
After Yoon Suk Yeol's life sentence for insurrection, the conservative People Power Party remains split between defending him and cutting ties, revealing deep tensions ahead of local elections.
South Korea's former president receives unprecedented life imprisonment for martial law decree. A victory for democracy or dangerous judicial activism? Global observers are divided.
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol receives life sentence for insurrection after his failed martial law attempt, marking a pivotal moment for South Korean democracy and rule of law.
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's life imprisonment verdict triggers opposing rallies in Seoul, revealing deep political divisions in South Korean democracy and rule of law.
Thoughts
Share your thoughts on this article
Sign in to join the conversation