SEOUL — In a dramatic twist to the ongoing investigation into the "December 3 illegal martial law" case, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has provided a stunning reversal of his previous testimony, placing him at the center of the constitutional crisis. This latest development, revealed during his third interrogation by the Cho Eun-seok special prosecution team, has raised the stakes significantly for the former premier, who now faces the real possibility of an arrest warrant being issued against him. The special prosecution's persistent inquiries have seemingly cracked the wall of denial surrounding one of the most senior officials implicated in the scandal.
For months, Han Duck-soo had maintained his innocence, claiming he was unaware of the martial law proclamation document prior to its announcement. This stance was central to his defense against charges of complicity and aiding and abetting the alleged coup. However, during a grueling interrogation session on August 19, Han reportedly recanted his previous statement, admitting that former President Yoon Suk Yeol personally handed him the proclamation document. This new testimony directly implicates Han not just as a passive bystander but as an active participant in the events leading up to the controversial declaration.
The special prosecution team's focus on Han stems from its belief that as the Prime Minister and Vice Chairman of the Cabinet, he had a legal and constitutional obligation to protect the country's democratic institutions. The team's theory posits that instead of challenging the martial law order, Han worked to legitimize it by suggesting the holding of a Cabinet meeting. This action, according to the prosecution, was a crucial step in attempting to lend a veneer of legality to what they allege was an illegal and unconstitutional act.
Han's sudden change of heart is seen by legal analysts as a strategic move to potentially secure a more lenient sentence, but it also paints a clearer picture of the inner workings of the presidential office during that critical period. His testimony corroborates the special prosecution's long-held suspicion that the martial law was not an impulsive decision but a carefully planned maneuver involving key government figures. This confession could open the door for further investigations and potential charges against other high-ranking officials.
The investigation has been a closely watched affair, capturing the attention of a nation grappling with the fallout of the alleged constitutional breach. Public opinion is divided, with some calling for swift and severe punishment for all involved, while others question the political motivations behind the special prosecution's actions. Nevertheless, Han's admission has undoubtedly strengthened the prosecution's case.
As Han Duck-soo faced his third interrogation on August 22, he remained tight-lipped, walking past a throng of reporters without answering questions about his changed testimony or the possibility of his arrest. The special prosecution team is expected to conclude its questioning of Han shortly and decide on whether to seek an arrest warrant. A successful warrant request would not only mean a significant escalation of the legal proceedings but would also send a powerful message that no one, regardless of their past position, is above the law. The nation awaits the outcome with bated breath, as this high-profile case continues to unfold, shaping the future of Korea's political landscape.
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