A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for obstructing justice and related offenses linked to his controversial martial law declaration in December 2024.
The ruling marks the first verdict in a series of legal cases against Yoon, whose brief suspension of civilian rule sparked nationwide protests and political turmoil.
Judge Baek Dae-hyun of Seoul’s Central District Court found Yoon guilty of obstructing investigators and excluding cabinet members from key martial law meetings.
“Despite his duty to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, the defendant disregarded these responsibilities,” Baek said, describing Yoon’s actions as “extremely grave.”
Yoon was acquitted of forging official documents due to insufficient evidence.
He has seven days to file an appeal.
Prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence, while Yoon maintained that his actions were within his presidential powers.
Observers noted Yoon remained defiant in court, insisting that his martial law declaration was a lawful exercise of constitutional emergency powers intended to protect the nation and uphold order.
This verdict follows a separate case in which prosecutors have demanded the death penalty, accusing Yoon of orchestrating an insurrection through his martial law imposition.
Although a death sentence is unlikely to be carried out, South Korea has maintained an unofficial moratorium on executions since 1997, the charges underscore the severity of allegations facing the former leader.
Yoon also faces trial on accusations of aiding the enemy, over alleged drone operations targeting North Korea, further complicating his legal battles.
The court is set to deliver a ruling on the insurrection charges on February 19.
