UPDATE: Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in a failed insurrection linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The ruling, delivered on January 21, 2025, marks a significant legal blow and sets a precedent for future trials related to treason in the Yoon administration.
This urgent verdict from the court states that the December 3, 2024, attempt at martial law was an act of treason. Han, who was Prime Minister from May 2022 under Yoon, is now the first official from the Yoon administration to be convicted of treason charges. He has the right to appeal the decision, but the implications of this ruling are immediate and far-reaching.
The court found that Han actively participated in what was characterized as a “self-coup” aimed at undermining democratic institutions. Presiding Judge Lee Jin Kwan emphasized that Han’s actions not only threatened democracy but also displayed a lack of remorse throughout the trial. In a televised statement, Lee condemned Han for choosing to support the insurrection rather than prevent it, saying, “His duty as prime minister was to uphold the law, but he chose to join those undermining it.”
Key evidence against Han included a damaging phone call on December 8, where he instructed an aide to destroy documents related to the martial law decree, indicating he was aware of Yoon’s intentions prior to their public announcement. This revelation significantly impacted the court’s decision, leading to a sentence longer than the 15 years sought by prosecutors.
In addition to treason, Han was found guilty of forging documents, destroying presidential records, and perjury during Yoon’s impeachment proceedings. His conviction is expected to serve as a catalyst for upcoming legal actions against Yoon and other associates facing similar treason-related charges. Public focus is now shifting to Yoon’s own insurrection trial, scheduled for February 19, 2025, where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Han Duck Soo’s imprisonment not only marks a pivotal moment in South Korean politics but also raises questions about the future of the Yoon administration. As the legal battles unfold, the nation watches closely, anticipating how these developments will shape the political landscape.
The ramifications of Han’s conviction are profound, potentially reshaping public trust in government. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy in South Korea, as citizens brace for the outcomes of the trials that lie ahead. With the spotlight on Yoon’s impending trial, the nation waits to see how these events will unfold and what impacts they may have on governance and civil liberties moving forward.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story continues to evolve.
