Seoul – In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape, a Seoul court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison, marking one of the most consequential rulings against a former head of state in the country’s modern history.
The verdict stems from Yoon’s controversial actions surrounding his brief and widely criticised attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, a move that triggered nationwide outrage, political turmoil, and ultimately his removal from office. The Seoul Central District Court found the former president guilty of abuse of power and obstruction of justice, concluding that he had deliberately misused state authority to block lawful investigations into his conduct.
According to the court, Yoon had ordered elements of the presidential security apparatus to interfere with investigators attempting to execute arrest warrants, undermining constitutional procedures and democratic norms. Judges observed that such actions went beyond political misjudgment, amounting instead to a serious violation of the rule of law and an erosion of institutional trust.
The failed martial law declaration — swiftly overturned by lawmakers within hours — proved to be the turning point in Yoon’s presidency. It ignited mass protests, deepened political divisions, and accelerated impeachment proceedings that culminated in his formal ouster in 2025. Friday’s sentencing represents the first criminal conviction linked to that episode, though several related cases are still moving through the courts.
Prosecutors had pushed for a stiffer punishment, arguing that Yoon’s conduct posed a direct threat to democratic governance. While the court stopped short of imposing a harsher sentence, it emphasised that no individual, regardless of office or influence, stands above accountability. The ruling has been widely interpreted as a strong signal from the judiciary at a time when public confidence in political institutions remains fragile.
Yoon’s legal team has already announced plans to appeal the decision, maintaining that the former president acted under extraordinary political pressure and warning that the judgment could constrain future leaders during times of crisis. However, legal experts note that the court carefully distinguished between legitimate executive authority and unlawful interference with constitutional processes.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Yoon is also facing separate and more serious charges, including allegations linked to insurrection, in cases that could carry far heavier penalties. Those proceedings are expected to dominate South Korea’s political and legal discourse in the months ahead.
For many observers, the jailing of a former president underscores both the volatility of South Korean politics and the resilience of its judicial system. As Seoul navigates the aftermath of this landmark ruling, the case is likely to remain a defining chapter in the country’s ongoing struggle to balance executive power with democratic accountability.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.