What Happened at the First Hearing of Ex-PM Han's Insurrection Trial?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking trial, former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo faces serious charges, including abetting a failed martial law declaration by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol. The trial's first hearing is set against a backdrop of national controversy, with implications for South Korea's political landscape. Stay tuned for the unfolding drama and its potential ramifications.
Key Takeaways
- Han Duck-soo stands trial for serious allegations.
- The hearing focuses on his involvement in a failed martial law declaration.
- Key evidence includes surveillance footage.
- The trial highlights accountability in South Korean governance.
- Implications for South Korea's political future are significant.
Seoul, Sep 30 (NationPress) Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea appeared at the inaugural hearing of his trial on allegations of facilitating the failed martial law imposition by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday. Han faces accusations of supporting the mastermind behind an insurrection related to the martial law declaration made in December, alongside charges of perjury and falsifying official documents.
Upon his arrival at the Seoul Central District Court, he entered the premises without responding to inquiries from the media.
The hearing is set to be streamed online after personal details are anonymized, as requested by special counsel Cho Eun-suk and approved by the court.
Opening statements will be delivered by both the special counsel team and Han's defense.
Evidence will be reviewed, including surveillance footage from the presidential office captured on December 3, during which Han allegedly exited a Cabinet meeting holding documents related to the martial law declaration and Yoon's address to the public.
Han was present at a Cabinet meeting prior to Yoon's martial law announcement on that date.
However, the special counsel has requested that the examination of the footage be excluded from the broadcast, citing national security concerns, as the video is classified as a Grade 3 military secret, according to Yonhap news agency.
In addition to aiding in the martial law declaration, Han is accused of drafting a revised proclamation post-December 3 to bolster the legitimacy of the decree and subsequently destroying it.
He also faces charges of lying under oath at both the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly, claiming he was unaware that Yoon had entrusted him with a copy of the martial law declaration until after it was rescinded.
Han Duck-soo is a notable South Korean diplomat, economist, and politician, having served as acting president in December 2024 and from March to May 2025, as well as prime minister from 2007 to 2008 and again from 2022 to 2025.
He is the fifth individual to hold the prime minister's office on two occasions, serving under Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Yoon Suk Yeol. His previous roles include minister of economy and finance from 2005 to 2006, ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2012, and chairman of the Korea International Trade Association from 2012 to 2015.
Following the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, Han became the acting president of South Korea. Thirteen days later, Han was also impeached by the National Assembly due to his refusal to promulgate two special counsel bills aimed at investigating Yoon and his wife Kim Keon-hee, as well as his failure to appoint three candidates designated by the National Assembly for the Constitutional Court of Korea.
This decision concluded his term as acting president and suspended his prime ministerial powers, which were transferred to Choi Sang-mok.
Point of View
It is crucial to ensure that justice is served transparently and fairly. The NationPress stands firmly for accountability in governance, reminding us of the importance of democratic principles. As the trial unfolds, we hope it will lead to a clearer understanding of the events that transpired during this tumultuous period in South Korea's political history.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Han Duck-soo?
Han Duck-soo is charged with abetting the failed martial law imposition by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, perjury, and falsifying official documents.
When did the first hearing take place?
The first hearing of Han Duck-soo's trial occurred on September 30, 2023.
What evidence will be presented at the trial?
The trial will include surveillance footage from the presidential office dated December 3, the day when Han allegedly received documents related to the martial law declaration.
Who is the special counsel in this case?
The special counsel is led by Cho Eun-suk, who is overseeing the investigation into the allegations against Han.
What impact does this trial have on South Korean politics?
This trial is pivotal for South Korean politics, as it addresses issues of accountability and governance, potentially influencing public trust in political institutions.
