Former South Korean President Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
A court in Seoul delivered a significant verdict on Friday, sentencing former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of obstructing attempts to arrest him and violating legal procedures related to his failed martial law declaration in December 2024.
Court Details Abuse of Presidential Authority
The three-judge panel ruled that Yoon abused his presidential authority by mobilizing the presidential security service. They stated he blocked investigators from executing a lawful arrest warrant, interfering with the justice system to protect himself.
In their televised ruling, the judges said Yoon fabricated official documents concerning the martial law decree. He also failed to comply with constitutional requirements, including holding a formal Cabinet meeting before imposing such an extraordinary measure.
Under South Korean law, martial law must be discussed and approved through established legal procedures. The court determined Yoon deliberately sidestepped these requirements.
The lead judge emphasized, "The defendant abused his enormous influence as president to prevent the execution of legitimate warrants." The judge added that Yoon's actions undermined democratic institutions and the rule of law.
This ruling marks the first court judgment tied to criminal cases stemming from Yoon's brief but explosive attempt to impose martial law. That attempt ultimately led to his impeachment and removal from office.
Yoon's Reaction and Supporters' Response
Yoon, a former prosecutor, listened silently as the sentence was read out. Now 65 years old, he appeared noticeably thinner than during earlier court appearances. He showed no visible reaction as the five-year prison term was announced.
The courtroom was packed with supporters, some of whom continued to insist Yoon was unfairly targeted for political reasons.
Outside the court, Yoon's lawyer, Yoo Jung-hwa, confirmed the former president would appeal the ruling. Yoo described the verdict as "politicized." Prosecutors declined to comment on whether they would also appeal, a right available to them under South Korean law.
Separate Case Could Determine Ultimate Fate
While Friday's sentence is significant, it may ultimately be overshadowed by a far more serious case still pending. Prosecutors have asked the court in a separate trial to impose the death penalty on Yoon.
They allege he masterminded an insurrection by declaring martial law without justification and attempting to suspend parliamentary functions.
Yoon has consistently denied wrongdoing. He argues the constitution gave him authority to declare martial law. He claims his move was intended only to warn the public about what he described as obstruction by opposition-controlled parties in parliament.
Investigators, however, say the decree was an attempt to strengthen and prolong his hold on power.
Yoon is currently being held at the Seoul Detention Center on the outskirts of the capital. He could have faced up to 10 years in prison in the obstruction case alone. This relates to an incident in January last year when he barricaded himself inside his residential compound and ordered security personnel to block investigators.
His arrest, carried out on a second attempt involving more than 3,000 police officers, was the first-ever arrest of a sitting South Korean president.
Tight Security as Supporters Gather
Security around the court was tight on Friday. Dozens of police officers were deployed as a small group of Yoon's supporters gathered nearby. They held placards calling the case a political witch hunt.
Some signs read, "History will be the judge," while others insisted Yoon remained the legitimate president.
Although Yoon's martial law declaration lasted only about six hours, it sent shockwaves through South Korea. The nation is a key US ally and one of Asia's largest economies, long regarded as a stable and resilient democracy.
