Gwangju Sectors Respond to Han Duck-soo's 23-Year Sentence: "Beginning of Rebellion Accountability"

Labor, Civic Groups, and Political Circles
"Zero Tolerance Principle?Accountability Must Be Pursued to the End"

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo (left), who is accused of engaging in important duties related to the internal conflict, is attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court on the 21st. Provided by Seoul Central District Court, Yonhap News Agency.

Following the court's decision to sentence former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison and immediate detention for engaging in important duties related to internal rebellion, labor organizations, civic groups, and political circles in Gwangju have responded by reflecting on the significance of the ruling.

On the 21st, the Gwangju branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions issued a statement, calling the verdict "a starting point for holding those in power accountable for rebellion." The union declared, "We will continue to hold those who destroyed constitutional order and their accomplices fully responsible, and we will not stop fighting to ensure that forces who trampled on democracy never reemerge." The union also highlighted that the court characterized the incident as a "rebellion from above" and a "palace coup," arguing that political authorities and senior officials who condoned or justified the rebellion must also be held accountable.

Civic society leaders also emphasized the gravity of the verdict. Ki Woosik, Secretary-General of the Gwangju Civic Organization Council, stated, "The court imposed a sentence heavier than the prosecution's request, making clear the seriousness of the crime," adding, "Not only the ringleaders of the rebellion but also key participants must bear such heavy responsibility that they cannot easily return to society, in order to uphold the dignity of the judiciary."

Yoon Mokhyun, Chairperson of the May 18 Memorial Foundation, described the ruling as "a stern judgment that clearly reveals the gravity of anti-state rebellion," and assessed it as "the starting signal for historical accountability regarding the 12·3 rebellion." He added, "The principle of zero tolerance must be maintained in future trials of those involved, and we will continue to monitor alongside citizens until those who undermined the foundation of democracy are fully brought to justice."

Political circles also called for further accountability. Assemblyman Park Ji-won wrote on social media, "It feels even more refreshing and relieving than having a bad tooth pulled," and added, "I see hope." He continued, "A strict judgment must also be rendered against the ringleaders of the rebellion."

Assemblyman Min Hyung-bae commented, "Sentencing a key participant in the rebellion to 23 years in prison is a strong rebuke by the court, exceeding even the special prosecutor's recommendation," emphasizing, "There can be no 'moderate punishment' for crimes that destroy constitutional order." Assemblyman Jo In-cheol evaluated the decision as "a ruling that meets the expectations of the public."

Assemblyman Joo Cheol-hyeon also asserted, "No position or career can shield anyone from the judgment of the law," and urged that "other responsible parties related to the rebellion must also be held accountable by the same standard."