Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Five Years for Martial Law Actions

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court for actions associated with his December 2024 martial law declaration. The court found Yoon guilty of obstructing justice, fabricating official documents, and bypassing required legal procedures.

Judge Baek Dae-hyun stated that Yoon "disregarded the constitution" and emphasized the gravity of his offenses. The judge noted that Yoon had not shown remorse and had provided "hard-to-comprehend excuses."

Yoon's defense team announced plans to appeal the verdict, describing the decision as "politicized."

This ruling is the first among eight criminal trials Yoon faces concerning his brief imposition of martial law, which lasted approximately six hours and led to his impeachment and removal from office. In a separate case, prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon on charges of insurrection, with a verdict expected next month.