Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Deok-soo was sentenced to 15 years in prison during a second-instance trial on Thursday [1].
The ruling marks a significant legal escalation for the former premier, as the court found he played a critical role in executing an illegal state of emergency. The verdict underscores the judiciary's effort to hold high-ranking officials accountable for the collapse of constitutional order.
The appellate court determined that Han knowingly participated in the illegal declaration of emergency martial law on Dec. 3 [1]. According to the court, Han recognized the unconstitutionality of the declaration but still suggested holding a formal cabinet meeting to provide a veneer of procedural legitimacy [1]. The court said that Han attempted to secure signatures from cabinet members after the martial law was declared [1].
Beyond the initial declaration, the court found that Han engaged in rebellion-related offenses by coordinating specific tactical actions [1]. This included discussions with former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min regarding the lockdown of major government agencies [1]. The court also identified Han's involvement in discussing the cutting of electricity and water services to media organizations as an act of participation in rebellion [1].
In its ruling, the court said the charges constituted engagement in an important mission of rebellion rather than mere aiding and abetting [1]. The judges said that Han abandoned his official duties by facilitating these actions instead of upholding the law [1].
The 15-year sentence [1] reflects the severity of the charges, which include rebellion and the abandonment of duty. Han's role in coordinating the shutdown of media outlets and the seizure of government buildings was central to the court's decision to impose a lengthy prison term [1].
“Han Deok-soo was sentenced to 15 years in prison during a second-instance trial”
This sentencing signals that South Korean courts are treating the December 3 martial law incident not as a political miscalculation, but as a criminal rebellion. By convicting a former Prime Minister of 'important mission' participation in rebellion, the judiciary is establishing a precedent that administrative adherence to a superior's order does not excuse the violation of constitutional law.
