Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison for his involvement in the failed martial law declaration orchestrated by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The court determined that Han played an active role in creating the illusion of a legitimate cabinet meeting to approve the unconstitutional decree, despite having a constitutional duty to prevent the insurrection. Evidence presented included Han’s attempt to destroy incriminating documents and his lack of remorse during the trial, leading the judge to order his immediate detention. The ruling represents the first judicial recognition of the martial law attempt as an insurrection, with Han having the right to appeal.
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In a landmark decision, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court. The court found Han guilty of aiding and abetting an insurrection related to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration on December 3, 2024. Han was deemed critical in the insurrection due to his failure to oppose the martial law declaration and his support for cutting off utilities to media outlets. Immediately following the sentencing, the court ordered Han’s detention, citing concerns about evidence tampering, making this the first time in South Korean history that a former prime minister has been detained in court.
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South Korea’s constitutional court upheld parliament’s impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, removing him from office due to his controversial declaration of martial law. Acting President Han Duck-soo will serve until a new president is elected within 60 days. The decision, following weeks of deliberation and widespread protests, exposed deep societal divisions and international concern. Yoon’s supporters contest the legality of the impeachment, while his opponents cite abuse of power and a threat to democracy. Yoon also faces a separate criminal trial for insurrection.
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South Korea’s Constitutional Court overturned Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment, reinstating him as acting president. The 7-1 ruling, while not directly impacting the pending impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, may bolster Yoon’s supporters. Han’s reinstatement follows his and Yoon’s successive impeachments over the controversial imposition of martial law. The court’s decision on Yoon’s impeachment, which could trigger a presidential election, remains pending.
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South Korea experienced the unprecedented impeachment of two presidents within two weeks, starting with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal following an attempted martial law declaration and subsequently, acting President Han Duck-soo’s impeachment for refusing to appoint Constitutional Court justices. The opposition party, citing public support and the need to stabilize the nation, initiated both impeachments. This has led to Choi Sang-mok’s appointment as the second acting president in as many weeks and heightened military vigilance in response to potential North Korean aggression. The legality of Han’s impeachment, requiring only a simple majority vote, is currently being contested.
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The South Korean National Assembly voted to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo, with 192 lawmakers supporting the motion. This follows the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol two weeks prior, and stems from Han’s refusal to fully cooperate with the impeachment process. Protests erupted in parliament during the vote, with the ruling party claiming procedural irregularities. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will serve as acting president while the Constitutional Court reviews the impeachment within the next 180 days.
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John Q. Hosedrinker