Seoul High Court Reduces Former PM Han Duck-soo’s Sentence to 15 Years in Martial Law Case

The Seoul High Court on May 7, 2026, reduced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's prison sentence from 23 years to 15 years for his role in then-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s imposition of martial law in December 2024. The appeals court upheld most convictions against the 76-year-old but lessened the penalty after taking into account his more than 50 years as a public official prior to the martial law declaration.

” The judge said it was difficult to find evidence showing that Han Duck-soo participated more actively in the insurrection such as by conspiring in advance or systematically leading the operation.

Yet the judge added that Han Duck-soo had abandoned the grave responsibilities arising from the authority and position entrusted to him and instead sided with those participating in the acts of insurrection. The Seoul High Court upheld charges that Han Duck-soo tried to create the appearance of legitimacy for Yoon Suk Yeol’s illegal decree by getting it endorsed at a Cabinet meeting.

It also upheld charges that Han Duck-soo discussed plans to cut off water and electricity to critical media agencies.

The court further upheld convictions for falsifying the martial law proclamation, for destroying the martial law proclamation and for lying under oath. The Seoul High Court stated that Han Duck-soo’s criminal liabilities are very grave because he abandoned his immense responsibilities as the No. 2 official in the Yoon administration and participated in the rebellion.

A Seoul court had sentenced Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison in January 2026. The special prosecutor requested a 15-year sentence for Han Duck-soo during his trial at the Seoul Central District Court. Park SungBae, a lawyer who specializes in criminal law, said that both the district and appeals courts viewed Han’s charges as very grave.

Park SungBae said that the Seoul High Court determined that a 15-year term is appropriate for Han given rulings on others involved such as Interior Minister Lee Sang-min who received seven years in prison. Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for rebellion in February 2026. Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree in December 2024 lasted around six hours.

Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by lawmakers before the Constitutional Court permanently removed Yoon Suk Yeol from office in April 2025. Lee Jae Myung succeeded Yoon Suk Yeol after winning a snap election. Han Duck-soo served as prime minister twice during his 40 years of public service.

Han Duck-soo first served as prime minister under President Roh Moo-hyun from 2007 to 2008. Han Duck-soo later served as prime minister under President Yoon Suk Yeol. Han Duck-soo was one of three people who served as caretaker leaders after Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from office.

Han Duck-soo and the prosecutor have seven days to appeal the Seoul High Court ruling to the Supreme Court.