In a landmark ruling with profound implications for South Korea’s democracy, the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday declared former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 2024 imposition of martial law an act of rebellion, sentencing his prime minister to 23 years imprisonment for his central role in the constitutional crisis.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo became the first official from the Yoon administration convicted of rebellion charges, marking a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings stemming from the December 2024 martial law declaration that ultimately led to Yoon’s impeachment and removal from office. The court’s verdict establishes critical legal precedent for upcoming rulings involving Yoon and his associates, who face similar charges.
In its televised verdict, the court determined that Yoon’s martial law decree constituted what it characterized as ‘a riot’ or ‘a self-coup,’ specifically citing his deployment of troops and police officers to Parliament and election offices as actions intended to undermine South Korea’s constitutional order. The court found these measures sufficiently severe to potentially destabilize the entire region.
The judiciary sentenced Han for providing procedural legitimacy to Yoon’s rebellion by orchestrating its passage through a Cabinet Council meeting. Additional convictions included falsifying the martial law proclamation, destroying evidence, and committing perjury under oath.
Presiding Judge Lee Jin-gwan delivered a stern rebuke, stating: ‘Because of the defendant’s action, the Republic of Korea could have returned to a dark past when the basic rights of the people and the liberal democratic order were trampled upon, becoming trapped in the quagmire of dictatorships for an extended period.’
Following the ruling, Han was immediately taken into custody. His 23-year sentence exceeded expectations, as independent counsel had previously requested a 15-year term. Han maintains his innocence, claiming he opposed Yoon’s martial law plan and denying most charges. He retains the right to appeal Wednesday’s ruling.
The case represents one of multiple legal proceedings against the former conservative leader. Yoon, already incarcerated for months, faces eight criminal trials including the rebellion case. Last Friday, he received a five-year prison term for defying detention attempts, fabricating the martial law proclamation, and denying Cabinet members their deliberation rights. Yoon continues to deny all rebellion charges, asserting he merely sought public support against opposition party obstruction and denouncing investigations as ‘frenzied’ operations involving ‘manipulation’ and ‘distortion.’
The court is scheduled to rule on Yoon’s rebellion charges on February 19, with prosecutors having requested the death penalty for the former president.