Key Facts
• South Korean court rejected arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
• Allegations linked to ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol’s “martial law” declaration in 2024.
• Han accused of aiding insurrection by proposing a cabinet meeting to legitimize actions.
• Special prosecutor filed the arrest warrant request.
• Seoul Central District Court ruled no risk of evidence tampering or flight.
• First-ever arrest warrant request for a former prime minister in South Korea.
• Court hearing to decide on the warrant was held on August 27, 2025.
Summary
A South Korean court has dismissed an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who faced allegations of aiding insurrection related to ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol’s 2024 “martial law” declaration. Han was accused of proposing a cabinet meeting to legitimize the declaration. The Seoul Central District Court ruled on August 27, 2025, that there was insufficient risk of evidence tampering or flight to justify the warrant. This marks the first time in South Korea’s history that an arrest warrant was sought for a former prime minister. The decision underscores the court’s careful consideration of Han’s background and cooperation during the investigation.
