South Korea’s Ex-President Yoon Sentenced to Five Years Over Failed Martial Law Bid

South Korea’s impeached former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has been sentenced to five years in prison after a court found him guilty of abuse of power, obstructing justice, and falsifying documents linked to his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024.

The ruling, delivered on Friday, is the first verdict among four criminal trials stemming from Yoon’s short-lived martial law decree, which plunged the country into political turmoil and triggered nationwide protests. Lawmakers had rushed to the National Assembly at the time to overturn the decision.

In handing down the sentence, the judge said Yoon’s actions “plunged the country into political crisis” and noted that the former president had “consistently shown no remorse.”

Friday’s judgment is seen as an early indicator of how the remaining cases against Yoon could unfold. He faces a range of charges, including campaign law violations. The most serious accusation is insurrection, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A verdict in that case is expected in February.

The court found Yoon guilty of using presidential bodyguards to block his arrest, failing to consult the full cabinet before declaring martial law, and drafting — then destroying — a falsified document claiming the move had been approved by the prime minister and defence minister.

“The accused had a duty to safeguard the constitution and the law, but instead turned his back on them,” the judge said.

Prosecutors had sought a 10-year prison sentence for the charges ruled on Friday. Both the prosecution and defence have seven days to appeal.

About 100 of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse during the proceedings, watching a livestream of the verdict on a large screen. Some held red banners reading, “Yoon, again! Make Korea great again,” while others shouted at the judge as the verdict was delivered.

Yoon has denied all charges, arguing that the arrest warrant against him was invalid and that the law does not require a president to consult every cabinet member before exercising emergency powers. He has consistently claimed investigators had no legal basis to probe or arrest him.

Prosecutors countered that Yoon’s refusal to accept responsibility should warrant a harsher sentence, noting that South Korean courts often show leniency when defendants express remorse.

The last former president to be jailed was Park Geun-hye, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2021 for abuse of power and bribery, though she was later pardoned.

Six months after Yoon’s martial law attempt, South Koreans elected opposition leader Lee Jae Myung in a decisive victory. However, Yoon’s ongoing trials have renewed attention on deep political divisions in the country, where he still commands significant support. A survey conducted last December showed that nearly 30% of South Koreans did not believe his martial law declaration amounted to insurrection.

While tens of thousands protested against Yoon in 2024, smaller counter-protests by his supporters also took place, underscoring the polarisation surrounding his presidency.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale