The Central District Court in Seoul concluded that the "state of emergency" declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol should be considered a coup. Han Dok Soo was found guilty as an accomplice for assisting in the preparation of an unconstitutional decree and for failing to prevent the use of police and military to seize the National Assembly and the Election Commission.
Additionally, the court established that the former Prime Minister discussed with Lee Sang Min, the former Minister of the Interior, measures to cut off electricity to the media, which was deemed an act of censorship. Han was also found guilty of forgery of official documents and giving false testimony.
Following the announcement of the verdict, Han Dok Soo was immediately arrested in the courtroom. The court noted that his actions caused "irreparable harm" to the country and jeopardized the constitutional order. This sentence may influence subsequent legal cases involving other key participants, including former President Yoon, who will stand trial next month.
Earlier, on January 16, the Central District Court of Seoul sentenced Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for obstructing justice. This sentence is related to the short-term declaration of martial law in December 2024, as well as his interference with the detention of investigators in January 2025.
