South Korea’s Supreme Court has upheld a seven-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk-yeol in the first major case stemming from his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024.
The ruling finalises convictions on charges including obstruction of justice, abuse of authority, infringing on Cabinet members’ rights to deliberate, falsifying official documents, and deploying security forces to resist his arrest following impeachment.
In a landmark decision delivered in open court and broadcast live, the top court affirmed the Seoul High Court’s April ruling, which had increased Yoon’s initial five-year sentence to seven years. This marks the first Supreme Court decision among multiple criminal cases related to the martial law episode.
The case centres on Yoon’s actions during and after his brief imposition of martial law, which triggered swift political backlash, impeachment, and removal from office. Prosecutors argued that Yoon bypassed legal procedures, spread misinformation, and actively obstructed law enforcement efforts.
Legal analysts view the Supreme Court’s decision as a significant affirmation of accountability for high-level officials and the rule of law in South Korea’s young democracy.
Yoon Suk-yeol, who served as the 13th President of South Korea, faces additional trials on more serious charges, including insurrection, which could result in harsher penalties.