A South Korean appeals court has reduced the prison sentence of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 15 years for his role in the imposition of martial law. Han Duck-soo, a Yoon appointee, was originally sentenced to 23 years by a Seoul court in January.

The Seoul High Court upheld most of Han's convictions, including charges of trying to create the appearance of legitimacy for Yoon's illegal decree and falsifying the martial law proclamation.

The court said that Han's 'criminal liabilities are very grave' because he 'abandoned his immense responsibilities' as the No.2 official in the Yoon administration and participated in the rebellion.

Han and the prosecutor have seven days to appeal Thursday's ruling to the Supreme Court, the country's top court. The special prosecutor had requested a 15-year sentence for Han during his trial at the Seoul Central District Court.