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Former President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
A court in Seoul has sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison after finding him guilty of multiple charges, including abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and forgery of official documents.
The charges are linked to Yoon’s failed attempt in 2024 to impose martial law, a move that triggered widespread political unrest and public outrage across South Korea in December of that year.
Friday’s ruling marks the first verdict among four separate trials Yoon is facing, all connected to the controversial martial law decision. In delivering the judgment on January 16, 2026, the presiding judge stated that Yoon’s actions plunged the country into a serious political crisis and noted that the former president showed no remorse for his conduct.
Yoon is also facing additional charges, including further abuse of authority and violations of the constitution. One of the most serious cases involves allegations of insurrection, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A court decision on that charge is expected in February 2026.
During Friday’s hearing, nearly 100 of Yoon’s supporters were present in the courtroom, while others followed the proceedings from outside through live broadcasts. Some supporters waved flags and shouted insults after the verdict was announced, expressing dissatisfaction with the court’s decision.
Although prosecutors had sought a 10-year prison sentence in this case, the court imposed a reduced penalty. Both the prosecution and the defense have been granted seven days to file an appeal.
Yoon has consistently denied all charges, arguing that his arrest was unlawful and that the constitution did not require him to consult the cabinet before exercising emergency presidential powers. He has also claimed that investigators lacked legal authority from the outset and insists that no crime was committed when he declared martial law.
According to the BBC, South Korean courts often show leniency to defendants who admit wrongdoing. However, prosecutors argued that Yoon’s refusal to acknowledge any fault justified a harsher punishment.
Despite the verdict, Yoon’s supporters remain vocal in rejecting the court’s ruling, underscoring the deep political divisions the case continues to generate.
