South Korea's ex-president sentenced to 5 years in prison
Photo: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (Getty Images)
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been convicted. He was found guilty of obstructing justice and falsifying documents during an attempt to seize power, Reuters reports.
On Friday, January 16, the Seoul District Court handed down its first verdict against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, sentencing him to five years in prison.
The main charge was obstructing law enforcement officers in executing his arrest warrant after the high-profile events of December 2024.
What he was found guilty of
The judge confirmed that the former head of state deliberately obstructed law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties. In addition to obstruction of justice, the case recorded many other serious violations
- Falsification of official documents prepared for the legalization of martial law
- Ignoring court requirements that are mandatory for the introduction of a special legal regime
- Abuse of power during an attempt to impose martial law in December last year.
This court decision is the first criminal conviction in a series of cases related to Yoon's failed attempt to retain power by force. However, the case is not yet closed, as the defense has the right to appeal the verdict.
Prosecutors sought death penalty
During the final hearings at the Seoul Central District Court, the prosecution insisted on the most severe punishment - the death penalty. Special Prosecutor Cho In-suk called Yoon Suk Yeol a leader of the uprising who tried to usurp power by establishing control over the judicial and legislative branches.
The attempted coup in December 2024 failed: the military was unable to block parliament due to mass resistance from citizens, and within six hours, the president was forced to lift martial law.
After the fiasco, Yoon resigned under pressure of impeachment and was later arrested on suspicion of treason. The arrest was accompanied by clashes, as the former president's security guards resisted the security forces.
Despite being temporarily released on bail in March, he was remanded in custody again in July 2025. In addition to sedition, Yoon is accused of aiding an enemy state, including alleged cooperation with the North Korean regime.
The special prosecutor's team insisted on a 10-year prison sentence.
The indictment states that the former president committed a serious crime by effectively using state institutions to conceal and justify his actions.
The trial of Yoon Suk Yeol was only the third case in South Korean history in which the sentencing of a former head of state was broadcast live. The former president is currently involved in eight criminal proceedings.
In addition to the attempted coup, he is charged with many corruption offences and is also accused of involvement in the tragic death of a marine in 2023.
