Archive photo. Former President of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol sentenced to five years in prison
The charge of organizing a coup could lead to the death penalty for Yoon. The Seoul Central District Court issued a verdict that includes not only obstruction of arrest but also other charges related to the imposition of martial law in December 2024.
The prosecution sought a 10-year prison sentence for the former president: five years for resisting arrest, two years for revising the martial law decree after its imposition, and three years for violations of the rights of cabinet members, spreading false information, and destroying evidence.
The Corruption Investigation Office attempted to arrest Yoon Suk-yeol in early January last year when he failed to appear for questioning three times regarding the coup and treason case.
It is worth recalling that on the night of December 4, 2024, Yoon declared a state of martial law with the aim of "eliminating pro-North Korean forces and protecting the liberal constitutional order."
In response, special forces were deployed outside the National Assembly building. However, many lawmakers managed to enter the parliament in advance, and their supporters prevented the military from entering the building. As a result, the legislators unanimously voted for a resolution demanding the repeal of martial law.
Later, Yoon Suk-yeol apologized for the imposition of martial law and promised not to resort to such measures again, as well as not to evade legal and political responsibility.
The opposition accused the president, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hen, Interior and Security Minister Lee Sang-min, and other key figures of organizing a coup. On December 14, the South Korean parliament supported the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol.
As a result, early elections were scheduled.
