Published：Apr 27, 11:46Last updated：May 7, 17:16

South Korea's Legal Crisis Deepens as Yoon's Allies Face Sentencing

Apr. 27, 2026 11:46

An appeals court began the preliminary hearing for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection trial on Monday. Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment for his failed martial law bid in 2024. The special counsel seeks the death penalty, accusing Yoon of attempting to subvert the constitutional order. Yoon was absent from the hearing.

Summarized

44News

15Media

May. 7, 2026 16:12

On May 7, 2026, the Seoul High Court sentenced former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 15 years in prison, reducing his initial 23-year sentence. The court upheld charges related to his role in implementing martial law but acquitted him on some counts of perjury. The ruling highlighted his actions during the political crisis.

May. 7, 2026 17:16

On May 7, 2026, South Korea's appeals court reduced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's sentence from 23 to 15 years for his role in the 2024 emergency martial law decree. The court upheld most charges, including falsifying documents and suppressing media.

The legal repercussions of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law declaration continue unfolding, with key allies receiving reduced sentences while new appeals emerge. On May 7, 2026, the Seoul High Court cut former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's prison term from 23 to 15 years for aiding Yoon's insurrection, though upholding convictions for legitimizing the decree and suppressing media. Meanwhile, Yoon himself faces fresh appeals after his seven-year sentence for obstruction was challenged by both defense and prosecution teams.Yonhap News Agency+2

⚖️ Sentence Reductions

The appellate court maintained most charges against Han Duck-soo but acquitted him of perjury regarding document exchanges. His reduced sentence reflects the court's reevaluation of his role in the martial law episode, though he remains convicted of rebellion and falsification. Han's legal team immediately announced plans for a Supreme Court appeal, mirroring Yoon's ongoing legal strategy.Yonhap News Agency+2

🎖️ Military Purges

South Korea's defense ministry dismissed three Army officers and removed another on May 5 over their involvement in the 2024 crisis. Brig. Gen. Kim Jeong-geun and two colonels were discharged for deploying troops during the martial law bid, while Col. Kim Sang-yong faced service termination. These actions demonstrate continued institutional reckoning with the constitutional breach.Yonhap News Agency+1

📺 Public Accountability

The Seoul High Court announced it would broadcast Han's appellate trial live on May 7, reflecting heightened transparency demands. This follows the earlier televised ruling against Yoon, which drew massive public interest. The judiciary appears keen to demonstrate due process amid polarized reactions to these historic cases.Yonhap News Agency+2

⏳ Ongoing Appeals

Yoon's legal team challenged his increased seven-year sentence for obstruction, while prosecutors separately appealed his partial acquittal. The former president already serves a life term for insurrection, creating an unprecedented dual sentencing scenario in South Korea's democratic history. These parallel appeals ensure the legal saga will continue unfolding.CCTV+2

Cho Eun-sukYoon Suk YeolSeoul High Courtmartial law bid 2024South Korea constitutional crisis