South Korea's Political Turmoil: Sentence Reduction in Rebellion Case

South Korea's Seoul High Court reduced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's prison sentence to 15 years for his role in the imposition of martial law by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol. Initially sentenced to 23 years, Han's charges include rebellion, falsifying documents, and lying under oath. He has seven days to appeal.

A South Korean appeals court has reduced the sentence of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in a high-profile rebellion case. The Seoul High Court announced that while it upheld most of Han's convictions, his prison term would be reduced from 23 to 15 years.

The charges against Han included attempts to legitimize President Yoon Suk Yeol's illegal martial law decree, plotting to sever essential services to media outlets, and engaging in document falsification. Legal experts like Park SungBae commented on the severity of Han's actions while noting the appropriate consideration given to others involved.

Han, a veteran bureaucrat at 76, served as prime minister twice in 40 years. The former cabinet member must now decide whether to appeal the ruling within the next week, adding another chapter to South Korea's political saga following Yoon's impeachment and removal from office.