Former South Korean Prime Minister Jailed for 23 Years in Martial Law Case

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (C) arrives at the Seoul Central District Court for his first sentencing trial in the insurrection case, in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 21, 2026. Chung Sung-Jun/APA South Korean court on Jan. 21 sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for insurrection for his involvement in the December 2024 imposition of martial law by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol.Yoon attempted to impose martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, but backed down after six hours amid public protest and after parliament voted to overturn the decree. At the time, Yoon said he was aiming to protect the constitution because the opposition, which controlled the parliament, was sympathetic to communists and North Korea.