South Korea: Prosecutor Seeks 15-Year Jail for Ex-PM Han Duck-soo Over Botched Martial Law Bid; Yoon's Trial Impacted

South Korean Prosecutor Seeks 15-Year Term for Ex-PM Han Duck-soo in Martial Law Case

A significant legal development is unfolding in South Korea, as a special prosecutor has formally requested a 15-year prison sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The charges stem from allegations that Han abetted former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law last December. This high-profile case is poised to create a crucial precedent, potentially influencing Yoon's own ongoing trial and other related legal proceedings.

The Weight of the Accusations

The prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the situation on Wednesday, stating, “We believe severe punishment of the defendant (Han) is inevitable to prevent such an unfortunate history from being repeated.” Han stands accused of aiding and abetting Yoon's role as the alleged “ringleader of an insurrection” who declared an illegal emergency martial law. As prime minister, Han was constitutionally obligated to serve as the “second-in-command in state affairs” and check any arbitrary abuse of presidential authority, a duty he is alleged to have failed.

Han's Defense and Political Background

Despite the serious accusations, Han, aged 76, has vehemently denied most of the charges, with the exception of perjury. He claims he had “no knowledge of the overall plan (of martial law)” and further asserted that he opposed the declaration within the presidential office, anticipating “significant problems for the economy and external credibility.”

Han is a seasoned technocrat with a long career, having held senior positions under five different presidents. His recent political journey has been tumultuous; he briefly served as acting president after Yoon's impeachment, only to face impeachment himself on accusations of assisting Yoon in the martial law declaration. However, the Constitutional Court later overturned his impeachment, restoring his powers before he resigned to contest a snap election in June. He subsequently withdrew from the presidential race due to internal rifts among conservative factions.

Implications for Yoon Suk Yeol's Trial

The impending ruling in Han's case, expected early next year, holds substantial weight. It could set a critical legal tone for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently undergoing a separate trial on charges including acting as a “ringleader of an insurrection.” Yoon faces potentially severe penalties, ranging from the death penalty to life imprisonment, if found guilty – though South Korea has not executed a death sentence since 1997.

This unfolding legal drama highlights a turbulent period in South Korean politics, with implications that could reshape the country's governance and legal landscape for years to come.