South Korea delivered a major verdict on Wednesday after months of turmoil.
South Korea’s court sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison.

The court ruled that the martial law decree amounted to rebellion.
It said the action threatened the country’s constitutional order.

Han became the first Yoon administration official convicted of rebellion.
Therefore, the ruling may shape future verdicts tied to the same case.

Judges said former President Yoon Suk Yeol masterminded the rebellion.
As a result, his own ruling is expected soon.

The Seoul Central District Court plans to decide Yoon’s case on February 19.
Prosecutors have already sought the death penalty for him.

Han served as prime minister under Yoon before the crisis.
Later, he became acting president during the emergency period.

According to the court, Han played a key supporting role.
He attempted to legitimize the martial law decree through a Cabinet meeting.

Judges also convicted him of falsifying official documents.
In addition, they found him guilty of destroying records and lying under oath.

Han denied most charges throughout the trial.
However, the court rejected his claims of opposition to martial law.

The judge said Han failed to defend the constitution.
Instead, he chose to assist the rebellion.

“His actions risked returning the nation to dictatorship,” Judge Lee said.
The court stressed the danger to civil rights and democracy.

The 23-year sentence surprised many observers.
Earlier, prosecutors requested only 15 years in prison.

Han, 76, may still appeal the ruling.
He has served more than four decades in public office.

Previously, he worked under liberal and conservative presidents.
Nevertheless, his career now ends in disgrace.

Yoon’s martial law decree came in December 2024.
He sent troops and police to parliament and election offices.

Lawmakers described the move as a self-coup.
Soon after, the National Assembly impeached Yoon.

Although Han briefly regained power, lawmakers impeached him as well.
Later, the Constitutional Court reinstated him.

After Yoon’s removal, Han resigned to run for president.
However, he withdrew after losing party support.

Meanwhile, Yoon faces eight criminal trials.
Last week, a court sentenced him to five years for obstruction.

Yoon denies all rebellion charges.
He claims investigations are politically motivated.

Despite that, public anger remains strong.
The short-lived martial law revived memories of dictatorship.

Although violence stayed limited, damage followed quickly.
South Korea’s image and markets suffered lasting harm.

Now, the nation watches closely.
More verdicts may soon follow.

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