South Korea Appeals Court Cuts Jail Term for Ex-PM Han to 15 Years in Martial Law Case

A South Korean appeals court has reduced the prison sentence of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo from 23 years to 15 years , while upholding most of his convictions linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 2024 martial law declaration , which triggered a major constitutional and political crisis.

The Seoul High Court ruled that Han played a key supporting role in the controversial decree by helping convene and endorse a Cabinet meeting that gave it a semblance of legitimacy. He was also found to have participated in discussions on enforcement measures, including alleged plans to restrict water and electricity supply to certain media organisations during the brief imposition of martial law.

The court upheld convictions on charges of rebellion involvement , falsification of official documents , destruction of the martial law proclamation , and perjury , although some reports indicated partial reconsideration of specific perjury-related findings. Judges said Han had “abandoned his immense responsibility” as a senior official and participated in actions that undermined constitutional governance.

At the same time, the court cited mitigating factors, including Han’s more than 40 years of public service and his comparatively limited role compared to Yoon, as reasons for reducing the sentence. Prosecutors had previously sought a 15-year term, while Han had originally been sentenced to 23 years in January.

The ruling comes amid wider prosecutions tied to the failed martial law attempt, including former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min , who received a seven-year sentence. Legal observers say courts continue to treat the December 2024 events as a coordinated attempt to subvert democratic institutions.

Han, 76, has denied most allegations and is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court . Prosecutors are also reviewing whether to challenge the reduced sentence.

The martial law decree, imposed briefly in December 2024, was reversed within hours by lawmakers, later leading to Yoon’s impeachment and life sentence for insurrection. Yoon Suk Yeol remains in prison , while multiple officials face ongoing legal proceedings.