In a landmark judicial ruling, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for his attempted imposition of martial law in late 2024. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Friday, marking the first resolution among eight ongoing cases against the former leader.
Presiding Judge Baek Dae-hyun found Yoon guilty on multiple charges including obstruction of justice, abuse of authority, and document destruction. The court determined that on January 3, 2024, Yoon mobilized presidential security personnel to block arrest attempts by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The ruling also convicted him of violating ministers’ constitutional rights regarding martial law deliberation procedures.
“The nature of these crimes is extremely serious given the circumstances and specific details of the offenses,” stated Judge Baek during the televised proceedings. The judge noted Yoon had demonstrated no remorse for actions that threatened democratic institutions.
The controversial martial law declaration occurred on December 3, 2024, when Yoon cited protection from “anti-state” forces including opposition lawmakers. The decree collapsed within six hours following a National Assembly revocation vote, ultimately leading to Yoon’s impeachment and removal from office in April 2025.
While special prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence last month, Yoon’s legal team immediately announced plans to appeal, claiming the verdict contained “significant legal errors” and exhibited political bias. Meanwhile, ruling Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae declared this sentencing merely begins the “eradication of insurrection,” advocating for zero tolerance against rebellion.
The former president faces additional serious charges including insurrection, with prosecutors recently demanding the death penalty in a separate case scheduled for adjudication on February 19.