South Korea's Appeals Court Revises Ex-PM's Sentence in Coup Case

An appeals court in South Korea has significantly reduced the prison sentence of ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo connected to a pivotal martial law rebellion tied to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This ruling comes amid ongoing political turmoil following a failed martial law declaration in December 2024.

On Thursday, the Seoul High Court decreased Han's original sentence from 23 years down to 15 years. Although most serious allegations against him remain intact, the judges opted for a lighter punishment after considering the broader circumstances and earlier decisions involving similar cases.

The court emphasized that Han was significantly involved in endorsing the unlawful martial law decree established by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol. Evidence presented by prosecutors indicated Han's attempts to validate the emergency directive through Cabinet meetings and discussions on limiting major media operations.

The court upheld convictions regarding the fabrication of martial law documents, destruction of official records, and perjury during investigations. It asserted that Han neglected his responsibilities as the second-highest government official, taking part in activities deemed detrimental to the nation's constitutional order.

The martial law crisis is marked as one of the gravest political incidents in modern South Korean history. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration in December 2024 incited widespread civil unrest and strong public resistance. Consequently, this led to a series of legal inquiries, impeachment efforts, and criminal trials against various senior officials.

Earlier this year, Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of rebellion concerning the martial law order. Other officials implicated have also faced imprisonment, including former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, who received a seven-year sentence.

Experts in South Korea suggest that while the appeals court still viewed Han's actions as gravely serious, it may have aimed for consistency with sentences given to other implicated officials. Analysts interpret the sentence reduction as a balancing act between holding individuals accountable and aligning with existing legal standards.

At 76, Han Duck-soo has had a prolonged public service career, having served as Prime Minister twice—first under former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun, then under conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol. During the political crisis, he also briefly acted as one of the caretaker leaders following Yoon’s suspension.

Both prosecutors and Han's legal representatives have a week to challenge this ruling in South Korea's Supreme Court. This case remains a focal point of national discussion as the country navigates the long-lasting implications of the thwarted martial law endeavor and the ensuing crisis in leadership.