Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Five Years in Prison Over Controversial Martial Law Attempt

A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison. The charges relate to his failed martial law declaration in December 2024. The ruling was broadcast live from the Seoul Central District Court. This marks the first criminal verdict against Yoon for the controversial emergency powers attempt.

Judges found Yoon guilty of obstructing an arrest warrant. He also abused his authority over the Cabinet and fabricated and destroyed official documents. Prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence. They said Yoon “privatized state institutions” to hide his misconduct. The court ruled that using the Presidential Security Service to block investigators from arresting him was aggravated obstruction of justice.

Yoon was convicted for his role in the December 3, 2024, martial law order. He convened only part of his Cabinet, excluding seven ministers. This violated their constitutional duty to deliberate on martial law. Yoon, with then-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, fabricated and later destroyed a related document. The National Assembly nullified the order within six hours and demanded its revocation. Impeachment proceedings followed, and Yoon was removed from office.

Yoon faces other criminal cases. These include allegations of leading an insurrection, sending drones to Pyongyang, and appointing a former Defense Minister as ambassador to evade investigations. Prosecutors have even requested the death penalty in one case.

Yoon’s legal team plans to appeal. South Korean law allows higher courts to review sentences. The appeal could take months. Analysts say the outcome may affect executive power, accountability, and democracy in South Korea.

The sentencing is historic. It shows that former presidents are not above the law. The case reinforces South Korea’s commitment to constitutional processes and the rule of law.