Executive Summary
- Former PM Han Duck-soo appeals 23-year sentence for 2024 insurrection.
- Court ruled former President Yoon’s martial law declaration a “self-coup.”
- Special counsel appeals acquittals on specific charges regarding delayed meetings.
- Seoul High Court to open special division for appeals in February.
Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and special prosecutors have formally appealed a court ruling that sentenced the former official to 23 years in prison for his role in an insurrection connected to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 2024 martial law declaration.
Legal representatives for Han submitted the appeal on Monday following the sentencing by the Seoul Central District Court last Wednesday. Han is the first member of the former president’s Cabinet to be convicted in relation to the December 3, 2024, declaration. Simultaneously, Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team invoked their right to appeal under South Korean law, seeking to challenge acquittals on specific charges, including allegations that Han deliberately delayed a critical Cabinet meeting intended to lift the martial law decree.
In the initial verdict, the court classified the martial law declaration as an insurrection, describing it as a “self-coup.” The tribunal found Han guilty of aiding this effort by proposing the Cabinet meeting prior to the declaration and signing a revised proclamation to enhance its legitimacy after the decree was lifted. Additionally, the court convicted Han of lying under oath at the Constitutional Court. The handed-down sentence of 23 years exceeded the 15-year term originally requested by prosecutors, and Han was taken into custody immediately due to concerns regarding the destruction of evidence.
Judicial Proceedings
The case is now set to move to the Seoul High Court, where a special trial division dedicated to martial law-related cases is scheduled to commence operations on February 23. This appellate phase is expected to scrutinize the legal interpretation of the insurrection charges and the severity of the sentencing guidelines applied to high-ranking officials. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
