Han Ducksoo's Detention Hearing Begins at a Crossroads... Decision Could Come Tonight

Charges of Aiding Rebellion... Silent Court Appearance
Han Expected to Argue "Grounds for Detention Not Met"
Special Prosecutor Prepares 362-Page Opinion Statement

The court hearing that will determine whether former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo will be detained on charges of aiding and abetting former President Yoon Sukyeol's acts of rebellion began on the 27th. This is the first time in constitutional history that a detention hearing has been held for a former prime minister.

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who is accused of aiding and abetting rebellion related to the emergency martial law on December 3, is attending a detention hearing (warrant review) at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 27th. This is the first time in constitutional history that an arrest warrant has been requested for a former prime minister. 2025.08.27 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

On this day, starting at 1:30 p.m., Judge Jeong Jaewook, who is in charge of warrants at the Seoul Central District Court, opened a warrant review hearing for Han and is currently deliberating the necessity of an arrest investigation.

Arriving at the court where the detention hearing was being held at around 1:18 p.m., Han Ducksoo remained silent and proceeded to the courtroom, refusing to answer reporters' questions such as whether he summoned cabinet members to justify the martial law, why he claimed not to have received the martial law proclamation, and whether his presidential bid was an attempt to avoid investigation.

From the special prosecutor's team, six people including Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Hyungsoo are attending the hearing. In addition to the 54-page arrest warrant application, the team plans to present a 362-page opinion statement, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, and other materials in a full effort to substantiate the charges and the need for detention. The special prosecutor's team is expected to emphasize the seriousness of the crime, the risk of evidence destruction and flight, and the danger of recidivism during the hearing.

In contrast, Han Ducksoo's side is expected to argue that the grounds for detention have not been met, noting that Han has already admitted to the perjury charges.

On August 24, the special investigation team on rebellion (led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok) applied for an arrest warrant for Han Ducksoo on charges including aiding and abetting the ringleader of rebellion, perjury, and the creation and use of false official documents. The special prosecutor's team summoned Han three times to investigate the allegations in detail and conducted searches of his residence and the prime minister's official residence.

Han Ducksoo is suspected of aiding and participating in securing procedural legitimacy for the illegal martial law. He signed a document prepared by Kang Uigu, former presidential secretary, after the martial law was declared, but a few days later requested, "If it becomes known that the document was created after the fact, it could spark another controversy, so let's pretend it never happened." As a result, the document was reportedly destroyed.

He is also accused of perjury before the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly, claiming that he was unaware of the martial law proclamation. In February, Han testified before the National Assembly, "I was not aware of the martial law proclamation until the cabinet meeting to lift martial law was held, and (later) I found it in the back pocket of my suit." However, the special prosecutor's team has obtained presidential office CCTV footage showing Han Ducksoo reviewing martial law documents and related materials.

This is the third time that an arrest warrant has been requested for a cabinet member in connection with the emergency martial law, following former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun and former Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sangmin. If the arrest warrant is issued, it is expected to strengthen the special prosecutor's investigation into the remaining cabinet members.