Archive · 16 Jan 2026
South Korea's ex-president sentenced to 5 years
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 5 years in prison for trying to impose martial law and obstructing authorities.
He declared martial law in December 2024, saying he wanted to restore order, but his decree was quickly overturned by parliament.
He was later impeached and removed from office.
The court found him guilty of obstructing authorities from executing an arrest warrant and fabricating official documents.
He is currently held in a detention center in Seoul.
This is his first court ruling on charges related to the failed martial law attempt.
He also faces other trials, including one for insurrection, where prosecutors are seeking the death sentence.
Yoon has denied the charges and plans to appeal.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 5 years in prison for obstructing authorities and other charges related to a failed martial law attempt.
Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, claiming to restore democratic order, but his decree was overturned by parliament within hours.
He was impeached and removed from office in April 2023 for violating his duties.
The court found Yoon guilty of obstructing authorities from executing an arrest warrant and fabricating official documents.
Yoon also faces a separate trial for insurrection, with prosecutors seeking the death sentence.
- Who
- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
- What
- Sentenced to 5 years in prison for obstructing authorities and other charges related to a failed martial law attempt
- When
- January 16, 2024
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, claiming to restore democratic order, but was impeached and removed from office
- Person Involved
- Yoon Suk Yeol
- Charges
- Obstructing authorities, fabricating official documents, failing to comply with legal process
- Sentence
- 5 years in prison
- Location
- Seoul, South Korea
- Date of Martial Law Declaration
- December 2024
- Date of Sentencing
- January 16, 2024
- Current Status
- Held in Seoul Detention Center
- Impeachment Date
- April 2023
- Number of Trials
- 8
- Insurrection Trial Date
- February 19, 2025
Sources
South Korea’s ex-president Yoon faces first court ruling over martial law
South Korea court sentences ex-President Yoon to 5 years in prison for obstruction
South Korea ex-president Yoon found guilty of obstruction over martial law bid
South Korea’s ousted leader Yoon gets 5 years in prison for failed martial law bid
South Korea’s ex-president Yoon given 5-year jail term in first ruling over martial law
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gets 5 years in prison in first martial law case verdict
South Korea: Former President Yoon sentenced to 5 years in jail for obstructing his arrest
South Korea's Ex-Prez Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison over obstruction of justice, other charges
S Korea's Ex-President Yoon Gets 5-Year Jail Term Over Martial Law Crisis