Fate of South Korea’s Yoon ‘almost a foregone conclusion’ after Han’s shock prison term

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court for his role in the December 2024 martial law decree, perjury, and other offenses. This ruling is significant because it defines the decree as an act of insurrection, contradicting ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol's claim that it was intended to alert the public. The unexpectedly harsh sentence is seen as a blow to Yoon, who is awaiting his own verdict on February 19 for his role as the alleged "ringleader" of the martial law imposition. Analysts believe Han's sentence signals the courts' willingness to impose severe penalties for "insurrection from above" and will likely influence the ruling in Yoon's case. The sentence was notably longer than the 15 years requested by prosecutors.

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Wednesday by a Seoul court for aiding and abetting an insurrection related to a 2024 martial law declaration. The court found Han disregarded his duty as prime minister in supporting the decree issued by then-President Yoon Suk-yeol. The martial law, which deployed troops to key government buildings, was deemed an attempt to subvert the constitutional order. Although the opposition-led parliament vetoed the martial law, Han was ordered to report to prison immediately following the ruling, which exceeded the prosecutor's requested sentence.

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Wednesday after being found guilty of insurrection. The Seoul Central District Court convicted Han for his role in abetting ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol's short-lived martial law declaration in December 2024. Specifically, Han was found to have failed to hold a lawful cabinet meeting following the decree, as required by South Korean law. Judge Lee Jin-gwan stated that Han's actions endangered South Korea's democratic order. Han, who denied prior knowledge of Yoon's martial law plan, is the first member of Yoon's cabinet to be jailed in connection to the event. Yoon himself was recently sentenced to five years in prison for his role in imposing martial law.

In South Korea, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, a top ally of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Seoul court convicted Han of rebellion for his involvement in Yoon's 2024 imposition of martial law. This martial law decree was determined by the court to be an act of rebellion. Han is the first official from the Yoon administration to be convicted on rebellion charges related to the martial law crisis that led to Yoon's impeachment and removal from office. The verdict is expected to influence upcoming rulings for Yoon and other associates also facing rebellion charges. Yoon's verdict is scheduled for February 19.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an investigation into allegations that the Korea Defence Intelligence Command (KDIC) financially supported a graduate student, identified as Oh, who allegedly flew drones into North Korea three times since September of last year. Oh, who previously worked in ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol’s office, claims to have conducted these flights. The investigation aims to determine if these drone flights are connected to the ongoing trial of former KDIC commanders related to a failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. President Lee questioned how a civilian could undertake such actions, especially given the ongoing trial, and expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a state agency. The probe seeks to uncover the extent of KDIC's involvement and the motivations behind the drone flights.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court. The charges stem from his imposition of martial law in December 2024 and include obstruction of justice, infringement of ministers' constitutional rights, and fabrication of official documents. The court found Yoon guilty of most charges, citing his privatization of the armed forces for personal interests. While the sentence was less than what prosecutors requested, the judge noted the severity of the crimes and Yoon's lack of remorse, though his lack of prior offenses was considered a mitigating factor. Yoon appeared in court and was televised live during the sentencing.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday by the Seoul Central District Court for his actions related to declaring martial law in December 2024. Judge Baek Dae-hyun found Yoon guilty of obstructing justice, fabricating documents, and failing to follow legal procedures for imposing martial law. The court stated that Yoon failed to uphold the Constitution, and his culpability was deemed extremely grave. Yoon's lawyer stated that he will appeal the verdict, claiming it was politically motivated. The ruling is the first related to the criminal charges Yoon faces regarding his attempt to impose martial law, which lasted approximately six hours. Supporters of Yoon gathered outside the court to protest the verdict.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been convicted of five years in jail for abusing power and obstructing justice related to his failed martial law bid in 2024. The verdict is part of four trials linked to the incident, which triggered nationwide turmoil and protests. Yoon was impeached in 2024 for declaring martial law without consulting his entire cabinet. He was found guilty of using presidential bodyguards to prevent his arrest, failing to consult his cabinet, and drafting a falsified document claiming support from top officials. The verdict offers insight into the outcome of future trials, including one that could result in the death penalty. Yoon's supporters gathered outside the courthouse, while prosecutors have seven days to appeal the ruling.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday for fabricating documents related to his 2024 imposition of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court convicted him of obstructing justice by using his security service to prevent his arrest on insurrection charges and abusing his power by excluding cabinet members from reviewing the martial law plan. He was also found guilty of falsifying documents to suggest cabinet endorsement of the plan and ordering the deletion of data from collaborators' phones. This is the first ruling in eight trials stemming from the martial law declaration, with a separate verdict on the insurrection charge, for which prosecutors seek the death penalty, due in February.

In South Korea, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office last spring. The request was made during a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday. Yoon is accused of orchestrating a rebellion through a martial law declaration in December 2024, which prosecutors are calling a "self-coup" and "anti-state activity." Yoon claims the declaration was to alert the public to threats from the opposition Democratic Party. He faces multiple criminal proceedings related to the martial law declaration and other controversies from his presidency. The court is expected to deliver a verdict next month, although legal experts believe a life sentence is more likely, as South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.

South Korean prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and removed from office following a failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The prosecution team accused Yoon of threatening the country's constitutional order with his actions, which they described as a "self-coup." Yoon's criminal trial, which included charges of insurrection and abuse of power, concluded on Tuesday in Seoul. Yoon denies the charges, claiming he acted within his authority to address obstruction from opposition parties. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on February 19. If convicted, Yoon would be the third South Korean president found guilty of insurrection.

Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is accused of leading an insurrection by attempting to impose martial law in December 2024. The prosecution argues that Yoon's actions, though brief, plunged the country into political turmoil and his intent was violent. Yoon, who was later impeached, denies the charges, claiming the martial law was a symbolic gesture. The trial, which includes former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun and former police chief Cho Ji-ho, has heard closing arguments, including testimony from a military commander and evidence of a memo suggesting the "disposing" of hundreds of people. A verdict and sentencing are expected in February. Yoon also faces a separate trial where prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison term for obstruction of justice related to the same event.

South Korean prosecutors have requested the death penalty for former president Yoon Suk Yeol for his actions surrounding a failed martial law declaration in December 2024. This marks the first insurrection trial of a Korean head of state in three decades. Yoon is accused of deploying troops to the national assembly to prevent lawmakers from lifting his declaration, which prosecutors argue was a plan to maintain power. The prosecution also requested life imprisonment for the former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, for his involvement. Yoon was impeached by parliament and removed from office in April 2025, following the six-hour crisis. Prosecutors presented evidence of pre-planning, including documented plans to manipulate election officials and control media outlets, citing Yoon's lack of remorse as an aggravating factor. A verdict is expected in mid-February.