People Power Party Respects Han Ducksoo's 23-Year Sentence but Remains Cautious... Pro-Han Faction Offers Apology

The People Power Party took a reserved stance on January 21 regarding the sentencing of former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who was indicted on charges including involvement in a major insurrection and was given a 23-year prison sentence in the first trial-higher than the 15 years requested by prosecutors-stating, "We will wait and see how the court rules in the future."

Chief Spokesperson Park Sunghoon met with reporters at the National Assembly that day and said, "We respect the first trial verdict," but added, "We will wait for a final conclusion in accordance with the Constitution and the law."

Yonhap News Agency

Chief Spokesperson Park also said, "The People Power Party has already expressed an apology regarding the imposition of martial law," but refrained from further comment.

Senior Floor Spokesperson Kwak Gyutaek also told reporters, "We have not discussed that part (the first trial verdict)," but added, "Since this is a first-instance ruling, there will be arguments from the defense in the second and third trials, so our position is to wait for the court's judgment." He further stated, "Because this is a first trial verdict, legal disputes are bound to continue going forward."

In contrast, Han Jia, a lawmaker affiliated with the pro-Han Donghoon faction, wrote on her social media, "As a member of the National Assembly, I once again bow my head and apologize to the people for the consequences brought about by the imposition of martial law carried out by a president from our party."

Assemblywoman Han urged the party leadership, "Even at this point, please sever ties with former President Yoon Sukyeol through expulsion and offer a sincere apology to the people."