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Seoul High Court reduces former PM Han Duck-soo's sentence in martial law case to 15 years
An appeals court in Seoul on May 7, 2026 reduced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's prison sentence from 23 years to 15 years, while upholding most rebellion-related convictions tied to the December 2024 martial law episode. The court preserved convictions including forging and destroying the proclamation and attempting to give legitimacy to the decree, citing Han's grave liabilities as the No.2 official. Yoon Suk Yeol had previously been sentenced to life in prison for rebellion in February 2026, forming part of the broader case.
Why It Matters
The ruling reinforces accountability for senior officials involved in the martial law episode and may shape future appeals to South Korea's Supreme Court in politically sensitive cases.
Timeline
6 Events
May 7, 2026: Seven-day window to appeal to the Supreme Court
May 7, 2026
The High Court said that Han Duck-soo and the prosecutor have seven days to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
May 7, 2026: Seoul High Court reduces Han Duck-soo's sentence to 15 years
May 7, 2026
The Seoul High Court upheld most of Han Duck-soo's convictions but shortened his sentence from 23 years to 15 years. It kept intact charges that he sought to legitimate Yoon's illegal decree by getting it endorsed at a Cabinet meeting and discussing plans to cut water and electricity to critical media agencies. It also affirmed convictions for falsifying the martial law proclamation, destroying it, and lying under oath. The court said his criminal liabilities are grave because he abandoned his responsibilities as the No.2 official and participated in the rebellion.
February 2026: Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in prison
February 2026
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for rebellion the month after Han Duck-soo's sentencing.
January 2026: Han Duck-soo sentenced to 23 years
January 2026
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, a Yoon appointee, was sentenced to 23 years in prison by a Seoul court for rebellion linked to the December 2024 martial law.
April 2025: Yoon impeached and removed; Lee Jae Myung becomes president after snap election
April 2025
Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by lawmakers and permanently removed from office by the constitutional court in April 2025. His liberal rival Lee Jae Myung succeeded him after winning a snap election.
December 2024: Martial law imposed
December 2024
The ill-fated martial law decree was imposed in December 2024 under President Yoon Suk Yeol.