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A judge in South Korea has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for obstructing justice and related offenses linked to his controversial declaration of martial law and its aftermath. This marks the initial judgment in a series of cases against the ex-leader, whose actions on December 3, 2024, led to widespread protests and intense parliamentary debates. Since losing power, Yoon is facing multiple legal proceedings regarding his conduct during that turbulent period.
Judge Baek Dae-hyun of Seoul’s Central District Court found Yoon guilty of obstructing investigators by refusing to allow his detention and for excluding cabinet members from a martial law planning meeting. The judge stated, “Despite his duty to uphold the Constitution and abide by the rule of law as president, the defendant showed a disregard for the Constitution.” He added, “The defendant’s culpability is extremely serious.” However, the court acquitted Yoon of charges of forging official documents, citing insufficient evidence. Yoon has a week to appeal the verdict.
Prosecutors had sought a 10-year prison sentence, while Yoon maintained that he did not violate any laws. This verdict comes just days after prosecutors requested the death penalty for Yoon, accusing him of leading an insurrection by orchestrating the martial law imposition. They argued that Yoon showed “no remorse” for actions that threatened South Korea’s constitutional order and democracy. If convicted on this charge, it’s unlikely the sentence would be carried out, as South Korea has had an informal moratorium on executions since 1997.
During the court proceedings, Yoon was seen smiling as prosecutors pressed for the harshest punishment. Despite the legal threats, he remains resolute, asserting that his martial law declaration was a lawful exercise of presidential power. In his closing statements, he claimed that the emergency powers used were necessary to protect the nation and insisted that his actions do not constitute insurrection. He also accused the opposition party of imposing an unconstitutional dictatorship through legislative control, asserting that “there was no other option but to awaken the people, who are the sovereign.”
A ruling on the insurrection charges is scheduled for February 19. Additionally, Yoon faces a separate trial on allegations of aiding North Korea by ordering drone flights over the border as part of his case for declaring martial law.
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