A special counsel team in South Korea has requested a 15-year prison sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, accusing him of helping former President Yoon Suk Yeol attempt an unconstitutional declaration of martial law in December 2024. The request marks a major development in a case that could influence how the country interprets executive power and constitutional duty.
During a closing hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, prosecutors argued that Han, as the nation’s second-highest executive official, had an obligation to restrain any unlawful actions by the president. Instead, they said, he supported Yoon’s attempt to impose emergency military rule. According to the special counsel, led by prosecutor Cho Eun-seok, Han “abandoned his obligations and assisted an unlawful act” when he failed to oppose the move.
Prosecutors described the incident as an “unprecedented action in Korean constitutional history,” emphasizing that it involved a sitting president attempting to exceed his authority and a prime minister who allegedly cooperated rather than intervened. The Dec. 3, 2024 declaration of martial law, which was never fully implemented, has been at the center of national attention since investigators concluded it amounted to an attempted insurrection.
Han addressed the court and apologized for causing public concern, but maintained that he disagreed with the martial law declaration. He said that although he could not prevent the action, he did not support it. However, prosecutors countered that security camera footage from inside the presidential office contradicts Han’s account and shows that he participated in discussions and processes tied to the declaration.
The former prime minister faces several charges, including aiding the leader of an attempted rebellion, participating in key duties related to the attempt, and providing false testimony to the Constitutional Court earlier this year. The penalties for these offenses are severe: participating in key duties of a rebellion carries a possible life sentence or a minimum of five years in prison, while aiding its leader could result in 10 to 50 years behind bars.
Prosecutors also accused Han of signing a backdated martial law proclamation created to legitimize the initial declaration. The document was allegedly drafted by former presidential secretary Kang Yi-goo and signed by Han, Yoon, and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. Investigators say Han then instructed that the document be destroyed, an action that contributed to the perjury charge.
The special counsel team argued that the seriousness of the alleged offenses requires strict punishment to reinforce democratic safeguards. They described the attempted declaration as an act that damaged public trust and national dignity, calling for a strong verdict to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The court’s ruling is scheduled for January 21. If the timeline holds, Han Duck-soo will be the first Cabinet-level official to receive a judgment related to the December martial law attempt. The decision is expected to shape public understanding of executive responsibility and the limits of constitutional authority in South Korea.
