South Korean court reduces Han Duck-soo’s prison term in martial law case

A South Korean appeals court in Seoul has reduced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's prison sentence from 23 years to 15 years. The original sentence was for crimes related to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of martial law in December 2024, including insurrection, perjury, and falsifying documents. The appeals court upheld most convictions but lessened the penalty, citing Han's long public service career and a lack of clear evidence of his active participation in planning the insurrection. The judge stated that while Han abandoned his responsibilities, his direct role in leading the operation was not definitively proven. The verdict was delivered on Thursday.

A South Korean appeals court has reduced the jail sentence of former prime minister Han Duck-soo from 23 years to 15 years. The original sentence was imposed in January by a lower court for crimes related to former president Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration. Yoon's decree in December 2024 briefly suspended civilian rule, causing significant disruption before being overturned by opposition lawmakers within approximately six hours. The appeals court's decision on Thursday marks a substantial reduction in Han's prison term.