7th May 2026 – (Seoul) South Korea’s former Prime Minister Han Duck‑soo has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after an appeals court reduced his original 23‑year term, in a case linked to the short‑lived declaration of martial law in 2024. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, relates to a series of charges stemming from Han’s involvement in the controversial emergency measures introduced during a period of political turmoil. The court upheld his conviction but lowered the custodial sentence previously imposed.
Han had faced accusations connected to his role in authorising and overseeing the temporary imposition of martial law, a move that triggered widespread debate and legal challenges at the time. Prosecutors argued that the decision exceeded constitutional limits and undermined democratic governance.
The appeals court concluded that while Han bore significant responsibility, certain factors warranted a reduction in sentence. Further details of the court’s reasoning were not immediately disclosed.