Seoul, South Korea — South Korea’s impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison for abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and falsifying documents in connection with his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, marks the first verdict among four separate trials stemming from Yoon’s shock declaration of emergency martial law. Although the decree was short-lived and overturned within hours, it plunged the country into political turmoil, triggering mass protests as lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly to block the move.
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In his judgment, the presiding judge said Yoon’s actions “plunged the country into political crisis” and noted that the former president had “consistently shown no remorse.”
Friday’s decision is seen as an indicator of how Yoon’s remaining trials may unfold. He faces multiple charges, ranging from abuse of power to violations of election law. The most serious allegation is insurrection, for which prosecutors have sought the death penalty. A verdict in that case is expected in February.
Around 100 of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse during the proceedings, watching the livestreamed sentencing on a large screen. Some held red banners reading, “Yoon, again! Make Korea great again,” while others shouted at the judge as the guilty verdicts were read. Several appeared subdued as the sentence was announced.
The court found Yoon guilty of using presidential bodyguards to block his arrest, failing to consult the full cabinet before declaring martial law, and drafting—then destroying—a falsified document claiming the move had been approved by the prime minister and defence minister.
“The accused had a duty to safeguard the constitution and the law, but instead turned his back on them,” the judge said.
Prosecutors had sought a 10-year prison sentence in this case. Both the defence and prosecution have seven days to appeal. The sentencing, broadcast live, represents the first judicial ruling related to Yoon’s aborted martial law attempt.
The initial hearing in Yoon’s insurrection trial is scheduled for February 19, with special prosecutors pressing for capital punishment. Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of December 3, 2024, but it was revoked within hours after lawmakers voted it down.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s impeachment last April, formally removing him from office. He was indicted under detention in January as an alleged ringleader of the insurrection, becoming the first sitting president in the country’s history to be arrested and indicted.
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