Portrait of Han Duck-soo
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Han Duck-soo on South Korea

Convicted of insurrection (strong)

TL;DR

Han Duck-soo's political career concluded with a 23-year prison sentence for aiding an insurrection.

Key Points

  • He was sentenced to 23 years in prison on January 21, 2026, for charges including aiding and abetting insurrection related to the December 2024 martial law declaration.

  • During his first acting presidency, he vetoed six bills passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on December 19, 2024.

  • He served as Prime Minister twice, first from 2007 to 2008 under President Roh Moo-hyun and again from May 21, 2022, until his resignation in May 2025 under President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Summary

Han Duck-soo's recent history regarding South Korea is dominated by his conviction and subsequent imprisonment following the failed martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024. A South Korean court sentenced the former Prime Minister to 23 years in prison on January 21, 2026, finding him guilty of abetting the insurrection and failing to convene a lawful cabinet meeting after the decree was ordered. The judge stated Han disregarded his duty, placing South Korea in danger of returning to a period where basic rights were violated. He was immediately detained by the court due to concerns over potential evidence destruction.

Despite serving as Prime Minister under both progressive and conservative presidents, his tenure ended under the shadow of this conviction, which was significantly harsher than the 15 years sought by prosecutors. His defense maintained he privately opposed the martial law, but evidence, including CCTV footage and a recorded phone call where he allegedly told an aide to destroy a backdated document, was used against him in court. Han's actions, particularly his role in ensuring a cabinet meeting convened to give the appearance of deliberation, were central to the ruling against him.

Key Quotes

“I never supported it or tried to help it”

“I will do my utmost to inform the international society that Republic of Korea is fast regaining stability.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Han Duck-soo is currently imprisoned in South Korea following a criminal conviction. He was sentenced on January 21, 2026, to 23 years in prison. This verdict was specifically for his role in the failed martial law declaration attempt by the former president in December 2024. He has the right to appeal the decision.

Han Duck-soo, who was serving as Prime Minister, was found guilty of abetting the insurrection. The court determined he helped create the appearance of a legitimate cabinet meeting to formally approve the unconstitutional decree. He also faced charges related to document falsification and perjury during impeachment proceedings.

Han Duck-soo has a long career serving under multiple administrations, holding high-level posts under both conservative and progressive presidents. However, his recent actions concerning the martial law, which led to his conviction, represent a severe negative event in his political history within South Korea.