DPK: "23-Year Prison Sentence for Han Duck-soo Is Not Excessive... An Inevitable Punishment"

Han Duck-soo Sentenced to 23 Years for Key Role in Rebellion
Jung Chungrae: "A Clear and Decisive Ruling... Justice Has Prevailed"

The Democratic Party of Korea stated that the 23-year prison sentence handed down to former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in the first trial for his involvement in key duties related to the rebellion is "by no means excessive," and described it as "an inevitable and minimal punishment."

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, accused of aiding the leader of the rebellion, is attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court on the 21st. 2026.01.21 Photo by Yoon Dongju

At the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 21st, Moon Geumjoo, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, said, "This ruling sets a clear standard of judicial justice, leading to the main trial of Yoon Suk Yeol's rebellion case."

Earlier that day, the 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jinkwan, sentenced former Prime Minister Han to 23 years in prison and ordered his immediate detention in court on charges including engagement in key duties related to the rebellion and falsification of official documents. Although Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok's team had requested a 15-year sentence during the final hearing, the court imposed a longer sentence.

Spokesperson Moon commented on the verdict, stating, "This is more than just punishment for an individual; it is the judiciary's resolute declaration against a power-driven rebellion that trampled on constitutional order. Though belated, this was a decision that could no longer be postponed, and the severity of the crime is such that even this sentence may seem lenient."

Moon further pointed out, "Han Duck-soo, as Prime Minister, had a constitutional duty to prevent the illegal imposition of martial law, but not only did he neglect this duty, he was a key accomplice deeply involved in the entire process of implementing martial law. Far from putting a stop to it, he complied with the demands of those in power, enabling the rebellion. After the National Assembly passed a resolution to lift martial law, he participated in drafting and destroying documents to cover up the illegal martial law, thereby engaging in systematic destruction of evidence." Moon added, "Even at the Constitutional Court, he consistently lied, claiming ignorance and opposition, thus mocking the judicial process."

He continued, "Far from offering an apology, he even used his position as acting president as a springboard to pursue a presidential bid, revealing his ambition for power. This is not a matter of political judgment, but an act of openly defying the Constitution and democracy."

Yonhap News Agency

Additionally, Moon criticized Han's attitude in court, saying, "He remained despicable to the end, shifting all responsibility onto Yoon Suk Yeol and claiming, 'I had neither authority nor duty.' Even when confronted with clear evidence such as CCTV footage, he repeatedly stated, 'I do not remember.'" Moon assessed, "The final chapter of a man who spent decades in high public office reveals not a sense of responsibility to the nation, but the bare face of a cowardly self-preservation before power."

In conclusion, Moon said, "The judiciary has clearly defined the illegal 12·3 martial law as a rebellion. No position, career, or false excuse can ever serve as an exoneration for those complicit in a rebellion that destroyed democracy."

Democratic Party leader Jung Chungrae wrote on his Facebook page, "Detention in court is only natural. The 12·3 incident was a rebellion and a praetorian coup. A clear and decisive ruling. A model judgment both in the court of history and in reality, justice has been served."

Assemblyman Park Jumin also wrote on Facebook, "The most significant aspect of this verdict is that the judiciary has officially defined the 12·3 martial law incident as a rebellion. The argument that martial law was imposed but that it was not a rebellion has now lost all validity."

Assemblyman Park Beomgye stated, "Han Duck-soo has finally faced the just judgment of the law. However, I doubt he will ever recognize his wrongdoing. Having lived his whole life by his intellect, will a cold prison cell really change his mind?"