- Former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol was sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing justice, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in a separate sedition case.
Former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol was sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing justice.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Friday that the 65-year-old former leader, with the support of the presidential security service, tried to prevent his arrest and ordered the destruction of documents related to the investigation against him.
Yoon had earlier declared martial law on December 3, 2024, plunging the country into political turmoil over a budget standoff with the opposition. The move shocked the population and triggered a major political crisis across the country.
He defended the declaration at the time, insisting it was necessary to protect South Korea’s democratic order. Yoon accused the left-leaning opposition of being infiltrated by communists allegedly linked to China and North Korea, claiming he offered no evidence to back it up.
In a separate trial, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for incitement. The case is expected to be decided on February 19. Although the death penalty remains legal in South Korea, no executions have been carried out in nearly 30 years.
Yoon’s behavior has also unsettled international investors, stalling investment and damaging South Korea’s reputation as a politically and economically stable country.
Since last summer, the country has been led by President Lee Jae-myung, a left-centrist and a long-time political rival of Yun.
