Han Duck-soo faces 5-year prison request by Special Counsel

The Special Counsel team led by Jo Eun-seok has requested a five-year prison sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. The prosecution alleges that Han committed dereliction of duty and abuse of power regarding the appointment and nomination of Constitutional Court justices.

According to the prosecution, while serving as acting president following the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol, Han refused to appoint candidates recommended by the National Assembly without legal grounds, effectively stalling state functions. Subsequently, Han and other officials are accused of nominating close associates of the former president as justices without proper verification processes, which the prosecution described as an infringement on the constitutional order and public sovereignty.

In addition to Han, the prosecution requested four-year prison sentences for former Presidential Chief of Staff Jung Jin-suk and former Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs Kim Ju-hyeon, as well as a three-year sentence for former Public Discipline Secretary Lee Won-mo. The court is expected to set a sentencing date following the final arguments.