Former Prime Minister Han Duck Soo's Sentence Reduced by Eight Years

Seoul. An appellate court in South Korea has reduced former Prime Minister Han Duck Soo's jail sentence by eight years. He was found guilty in a case related to the martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. 

This verdict was delivered by the Seoul court on Thursday. Yoon Suk Yeol made an unsuccessful attempt to implement martial law for some time in December 2024. Following this, a political crisis arose in South Korea. However, the martial law remained in effect for only about 6 hours after opposition lawmakers immediately overturned the decision through a vote.

Earlier in January, a lower court had sentenced Han to 23 years in jail on charges of involvement in rebellion, giving false testimony, and forging government documents. But on Thursday, the appellate court reduced the sentence to 15 years.

While delivering the verdict, the judge stated that Han's more than 50 years of public service prior to the declaration of martial law were taken into consideration. Although the court upheld most of the charges against Han, it was found that there was insufficient evidence of him being directly active in planning or operating the rebellion.

However, the judge commented that Han abandoned his serious responsibilities associated with his position and authority and supported the side involved in rebellious activities.