Former South Korean Prime Minister Sentenced too 23 Years in Prison for Role in December 3rd “Civil Warâ€
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A Seoul court delivered a landmark ruling, sentencing former Prime Minister Han Deok-soo to 23 years in prison for his involvement in events surrounding the December 3rd, 1979 martial law imposition, a period the court has now officially designated as a “civil war.†The verdict, handed down on Thursday, exceeded the prosecution’s suggestion of 15 years and has ignited a firestorm of political reaction across South Korea.
Landmark Ruling Defines December 3rd as a Civil War
The 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Jin-gwan Lee, found Han Deok-soo guilty of aiding and abetting the leader of the rebellion and engaging in significant missions related to the civil unrest. Crucially, the court’s decision marks the first time the December 3rd martial law has been legally defined as a “civil war from above in nature.†This characterization carries profound implications for how this period of South Korean history is understood and addressed.
Political Reactions sharply Divided
The sentencing immediately drew sharply contrasting responses from the ruling and opposition parties. The Democratic Party of Korea overwhelmingly welcomed the verdict, hailing it as “a model ruling†and “a victory for the people.†Representative Jeong Cheong-rae described the decision as “clear as an abstraction,†affirming that the December 3rd events constituted both a civil war and a coup attempt. Moon Geum-joo, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, stated that the 23-year sentance was “a condemnation of an accomplice in the rebellion†and a “natural conclusion in the face of history.â€
Several democratic Party lawmakers expressed even stronger support for the court’s decision.Representative Park Joo-min called for the immediate arrest and investigation of “remaining insurrectionists,†while Representative Park Yong-jin acknowledged the sentence, though stating it “falls far short of the anger felt by the people,†still recognized it as a punishment reflecting a commitment to constitutional defence. Representatives Park Ji-won and Yoon Geon-young both shared excited reactions on Facebook, praising Judge Lee Jin-gwan’s ruling and the definition of the events as a civil war. Cho Kuk, leader of the Fatherland Innovation Party, insisted the events be historically recognized as the “12.3 Civil War,†and called for the People Power Party and President Yoon Seok-yeol to apologize for their roles.
Opposition Response Cautious and Measured
In contrast, the People Power Party adopted a more cautious stance. Senior Spokesperson Kwak Gyu-taek stated the party “respects the judiciary’s judgment†but refrained from issuing an official position, citing the need to await further court decisions. He emphasized the importance of examining the legal basis for labeling the events a “civil war,†acknowledging that the issue would likely be subject to continued legal debate.
Though,some within the People Power Party expressed a degree of self-reflection. Lawmaker Han Jia, acknowledging the consequences of the martial law imposed by a president from their party, publicly apologized to the people and urged party leadership to sever ties with former President Yoon Seok-yeol and offer a sincere apology.
The sentencing of Han Deok-soo represents a pivotal moment in South korea’s ongoing reckoning with its past, and the court’s definitive characterization of the December 3rd events as a “civil war†is poised to reshape the national narrative for years to come.
