Former President Yoon Suk Yeol received a five-year prison sentence. The Seoul Central District Court made this decision. He was found guilty of trying to declare martial law. This action caused a big political problem for the country. Judge Baek Dae-hyun said Yoon abused his power. He also obstructed justice. This is the first court decision about the martial law case.
The problems started on December 3, 2024. Yoon declared martial law by himself. It only lasted for six hours. Prosecutors say Yoon planned this since October 2023. He wanted to stop democratic systems. They said he planned to use the military. He wanted to control the election commission. The court said Yoon did not protect the constitution. Judge Baek said Yoon turned his back on the law.
Martial law meant police and soldiers went to the National Assembly. This caused protests across the country. Lawmakers had emergency meetings. Some climbed fences to get into the building. Yoon also tried to stop his arrest. Security officers formed human chains. This was to block a court warrant. Judge Baek said Yoon used his power wrongly. He made security officials work for him personally.
Yoon is also in another trial for insurrection. Prosecutors want the death penalty for him. In this trial, he is accused of using the military to stop the government. He also planned to silence his critics. Reports say Yoon planned to hurt election officials. He also planned to cut off power to news outlets. This is the first trial for insurrection against a former head of state in 30 years.
Yoon's actions led to his impeachment. Members of Parliament started this in December 2024. The Constitutional Court removed him from office in April 2025. This prison sentence shows the legal issues he faces. Yoon's lawyers will appeal the sentence.