Seoul – Former South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction on one of eight criminal charges he faces. The ruling, delivered by a South Korean court earlier today, stems from his controversial decree imposing martial law in the country in late 2024.
The court found Yun guilty of obstructing authorities from executing an arrest warrant against him, including resisting arrest. He was also convicted on charges of forging official documents and failing to comply with legal procedures required for declaring martial law. This conviction marks the first resolution of the criminal charges against the ousted leader.
Yun, who was impeached and removed from office in April of last year, faces a series of ongoing criminal trials related to the imposition of martial law and other scandals that plagued his presidency. The most serious of these charges is “leading an armed rebellion,” an offense that carries a potential death sentence under South Korean law.
Prosecutors had previously requested the death penalty for the former president, accusing him of attempting to subvert the constitutional order and maintain power through illegal means. During a final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, prosecutors described Yun as the “leader of a rebellion who sought to remain in power by controlling the judicial and legislative branches.”
President Yun declared martial law on December 3, 2024, citing the need to “eliminate pro-North Korean forces and preserve freedom and the constitutional order.” He also accused the opposition of engaging in anti-state activities.
Following the declaration, the parliament convened an emergency session and voted to revoke the martial law decree. Yun was subsequently impeached by the parliament on December 14th, a decision that was later upheld, leading to his removal from office.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
