In a landmark ruling reflecting the severity of South Korea's constitutional crisis, a Seoul court on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison. The harsh sentence came after his conviction for his role in the failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2013, a move that shook the foundations of the country's democracy.
The sentence far exceeded the 15-year term sought by the prosecution, indicating the court's recognition of the gravity of the crimes attributed to him. In his ruling, Judge Lee Jin-gwan emphasized that "the defendant failed to fulfill his duties and responsibilities as prime minister to the very end," deeming his inaction or participation in the coup attempt a grave betrayal of the public trust and the constitution he swore to uphold.
Background to the crisis: Attempt to impose martial law
The roots of the issue go back to the night of December 3, 2023, when then-President Yun Sok-yol abruptly declared martial law in a televised address, citing the need to confront “pro-North Korean forces” that he claimed were threatening the state. This move, unprecedented in decades of military rule, provoked widespread shock and immediate resistance from across the political and social spectrum.
The South Korean parliament (National Assembly) acted with unusual speed, with an overwhelming majority of lawmakers, including members of the then-ruling party, voting to rescind martial law just hours after it was declared. This political consensus reflected a firm rejection of any attempt to return the country to the era of military dictatorship, from which it had struggled for so long to escape and establish democracy in the late 1980s.
The importance of the ruling and its expected impact
Domestically, this ruling is seen as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and the separation of powers in South Korea. It sends a clear message that no official, regardless of their position, is above the constitution. The ruling also strengthens confidence in the judiciary and its ability to hold high-ranking officials accountable for the most serious crimes against the state. This judicial decision is expected to have a lasting impact on the political landscape, underscoring the strength of democratic institutions in the face of any attempts to undermine them.
Regionally and internationally, the crisis and its repercussions were the focus of global attention, given South Korea's status as a major economic power and a strategic ally of the United States. The attempt to impose martial law raised concerns about political stability on the Korean Peninsula. However, the swift failure of the attempt and the subsequent rigorous judicial accountability send a positive message about the maturity and resilience of Korean democracy, potentially serving as a model for a region facing increasing democratic challenges.
