Prosecutors Seek 23-Year Sentence in Appeal; Focus on Former Prime Minister's 'Liability for Inaction'

The appeal court's verdict for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, related to the December 2nd emergency martial law incident, is expected this week. The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 12-1 will deliver its judgment on charges including Han's involvement in a key mission during the alleged rebellion on January 7th.

The special prosecution team argues that Han, as Prime Minister, failed to fulfill his constitutional duty to prevent then-President Yoon Suk-yeol from declaring martial law and instead convened a State Council meeting to lend procedural legitimacy. The core of this trial hinges on how far 'liability for inaction' will be recognized. The first trial court had also deemed his failure to take necessary measures to prevent unconstitutional and illegal martial law as a significant part of the crime.

In response, Han's defense team claims he neither agreed to nor conspired in the declaration of martial law, and instead repeatedly urged then-President Yoon against it.