According to findings released today by the Seoul Central District Court, former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol instructed the Presidential Security Service to obstruct the enforcement of an arrest warrant in January 2025. He also abused his authority by failing to convene all nine cabinet members before declaring martial law in December 2024.

He also drafted and improperly destroyed a statement after the martial law decree was nullified by the South Korean parliament. The total sentence for these charges is 5 years in prison, half of the 10 years requested by special prosecutors.

This is the first of eight criminal cases Yoon faces, which include efforts to impose martial law, corruption allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon-hee, and misconduct in the 2023 investigation into a marine's death.

Former president Yoon Suk-yeol hears his sentence at the trial on 16/1. *Photo: Yonhap*

Judge Baek Dae-hyun found Yoon guilty of most charges brought by the prosecution, with exceptions for those concerning the rights of two of the nine cabinet members not invited to the meeting to review the martial law plan, and the accusation of ordering the dissemination of press releases containing false information.

Judge Baek stated that former president Yoon "showed no remorse" despite the serious nature of his actions. The court also concluded that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) acted within its authority when investigating and enforcing the arrest warrant related to Yoon during his term.

The trial was broadcast live, with Yoon in attendance. This marks the third time in South Korean history that a former president's sentencing has been televised live, following the trials of Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak in 2018.

This verdict could impact the trial scheduled for 19/2, which involves a series of more serious charges. These include accusations of masterminding a rebellion through the martial law decree and attempting to provoke North Korea into military action against South Korea.

Earlier this week, the special prosecutor sought the death penalty for Yoon in connection with the rebellion charges. South Korea has not carried out death sentences for many years.

When declaring martial law on 3/12/2024, Yoon referenced a "threat from North Korea", labeling the South Korean parliament a "den of criminals" and an "anti-state force". He dispatched armed soldiers to the parliament building to prevent lawmakers from voting to reject martial law, but his attempt failed. Yoon was arrested in an early January 2025 raid and impeached three months later.

Thanh Danh (According to Yonhap, AP, BBC)