This decision marks the first ruling against the former leader of the country. According to Korea Herald, the prosecution requested a ten-year prison sentence for him, including five years for resisting arrest, two years for making post-factum changes to the martial law decree, and three years for violating the rights of ministers, spreading false information abroad, and destroying evidence.
In early January last year, the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) attempted to arrest Yoon Suk-yeol after he ignored subpoenas for questioning related to a case of treason and rebellion three times. The court issued a warrant for his arrest and search, but investigators abandoned the arrest after a prolonged standoff with the president's security. Ultimately, Yoon was arrested later.
According to Korea Herald, the former president claimed that the CIO did not have the authority to investigate the rebellion case; however, the court deemed the agency's actions legal based on the existing warrant.
Yoon Suk-yeol has been charged with eight counts in total. The next court hearing regarding the organization of the rebellion is scheduled for February 19, where the prosecution has requested the maximum penalty, classifying him as the leader of the rebellion who sought to retain power by taking control of the judicial and legislative branches.
Martial law was declared on December 3, 2024, amid a standoff with opposition parties in parliament, which led to the inability to pass the budget for the following year and attempts to impeach several high-ranking officials.
Military equipment was deployed on the streets of Seoul, and the parliament building was surrounded. A few hours later, the regime was lifted, and Yoon Suk-yeol was ousted from power in mid-December 2024.
