South Korea court finds ex-PM Han Duck-soo guilty of key action of insurrection over martial law

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JANUARY 21: Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (C) arrives at the Seoul Central District Court for his first sentencing trial in the insurrection case on January 21, 2026 in Seoul, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via REUTERS

SEOUL, ‌Jan 21 (Reuters) - A ‌South Korean court ‌on Wednesday found former Prime Minister ‍Han Duck-soo ‍guilty of ‌engaging in a key ‍action ​of insurrection ⁠concerning ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's ‌short-lived declaration of ⁠martial ‍law in December 2024.

Han ‍was found guilty ‌because he failed to hold a lawful cabinet meeting needed for martial law under ‌South Korean rules, a judge ​said.