Han Duck-soo Likely Freed as Korea Top Court Deliberates

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is likely to walk free next week after the Supreme Court scheduled another round of deliberations on his martial law appeal for a day before his detention period ends, Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday (Nov 10).

The court set the second deliberation for Thursday (Nov 19). Han’s six-month detention period runs out the following day and can no longer be extended, which raises the chance of his release, according to the report carried by The Korea Times.

Sentence cut on appeal

Han is charged with playing a key role in an insurrection through former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed bid to impose martial law on Dec 3, 2024.

A Seoul district court sentenced him to 23 years in prison in January on several charges, including the insurrection charge. In May, an appeals court reduced the term to 15 years after overturning his conviction on some of the charges.

In August, the Supreme Court referred the case to its full bench, citing strong public interest and the case’s historical importance, Yonhap said.

Han Duck-soo release timing

The top court also scheduled a deliberation on Nov 19 on the insurrection appeal of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, who was sentenced to nine years in prison by an appeals court over his role in the martial law bid.

Lee’s detention period expires on Dec 18, according to the report.

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