South Korean Political Crisis: Ex-Prime Minister Jailed for 23 Years Over Martial Law Role

A political and legal crisis is unfolding in South Korea following a landmark court ruling that has sent shockwaves through the nation's leadership. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for his key role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law in late 2024. In a televised verdict, the Seoul Central District Court defined the short-lived declaration as an act of "rebellion" and a "self-coup," stating it could have returned South Korea "to a dark past" of dictatorship. The court found Han, who was serving as acting president after Yoon's impeachment, neglected his duty to defend the constitution and instead helped provide procedural legitimacy to the decree.

The ruling is a pivotal moment, as it legally frames the martial law event as a crime against the state's constitutional order. It sets a significant precedent for the upcoming trial of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol himself, on February 19, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty on rebellion charges. This separate legal battle continues to escalate, with prosecutors recently appealing a prior five-year prison sentence given to Yoon for obstruction of justice related to the martial law fallout. Several other former senior officials, including defense and justice ministers, also face serious charges connected to the event.

These cascading legal actions have plunged the country into a deep political crisis. They have reopened historical wounds of past military dictatorships, tested the nation's democratic institutions, and created a prolonged period of leadership uncertainty that has impacted South Korea's international standing and domestic stability.