South Korea appeals court cuts jail term for ex-PM Han to 15 years

A South Korean appeals court on Thursday cut the jail sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 15 years from 23 yearsover his role in ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law in 2024.



The appellate court upheld the lower court's finding that Han engaged in key acts to help Yoon declare martial law and did not dissuade him.



Han, 76, convened a cabinet meeting to facilitate legal procedures to impose martial law, the judge said, rejecting his claim that the gathering was intended to block Yoon.



The judge said Han was also aware of the former safety minister's plan to cut off supplies of power and water to some media companies during martial law, but failed to prevent it.



"The defendant, as prime minister, had the responsibility to curb and control the president's wrongful execution of his power and help him legally exercise his authority," the lead judge said.



"But he abandoned the enormous duty and joined the side participating in insurrection .... He committed crimes afterwards to cover up his guilt, so his crime is grave."



The court also found him guilty of fabricating a presidential document and perjury.



The judge, however, said he took into account Han's 50-year-long career in public service, including posts at the finance ministry and foreign ministry.