South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of obstructing justice and other crimes linked to his controversial martial law declaration in December 2024. The verdict marks the first in a series of legal challenges for Yoon, whose actions led to mass protests and a political standoff in parliament.
On Friday, Judge Baek Dae-hyun at Seoul’s Central District Court determined that Yoon had obstructed justice by preventing authorities from detaining him and excluding cabinet members from critical martial law planning meetings. Judge Baek emphasized that Yoon’s actions contradicted his constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution, deeming his misconduct to be highly grave.
However, Yoon was acquitted of forging official documents due to insufficient evidence. While prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence, Yoon has the option to appeal the ruling within seven days.
This sentencing comes amid ongoing trials for Yoon’s actions during the martial law period. In a separate case, prosecutors have pushed for the death penalty for Yoon, accusing him of orchestrating an insurrection by declaring martial law. Despite the severity of these charges, South Korea’s unofficial moratorium on executions makes it unlikely that such a sentence would be enforced.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Yoon has maintained his defiance, arguing that the declaration of martial law was within his presidential powers to protect the nation and preserve constitutional order. In his closing remarks, Yoon stated, “There was no other option but to awaken the people, who are the sovereign.”
The court is scheduled to rule on the insurrection charges against Yoon on February 19. Additionally, he faces another trial for allegedly aiding the enemy by ordering drone flights over North Korea during the crisis.
