A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for his role in the controversial imposition of martial law in 2024, a decision that led to his removal from office.
The ruling, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court on January 16, 2026, concludes the first of eight criminal trials currently facing the former leader.
Yoon was ousted shortly after declaring martial law in 2024. He was subsequently impeached by parliament, arrested, and formally removed from the presidency following intense political and public backlash.
According to the Associated Press, the most serious allegation against Yoon is leading a rebellion, an offence that carries the death penalty under South Korean law. Friday’s verdict, however, relates to separate charges, including abuse of power and defying authorities during attempts to arrest him.
A South Korean court sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for charges including obstructing attempts to arrest him following his failed bid to impose martial law https://t.co/XY9C16PZqf pic.twitter.com/P7dv6de33L
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 16, 2026Prosecutors have accused Yoon of multiple criminal offences, including rebellion and misuse of presidential authority. The remaining trials will address these charges in detail and could result in additional sentences.
Yoon has not yet issued a public response to the verdict. During earlier proceedings, an independent counsel sought a 10-year prison sentence, a request that Yoon’s legal team rejected as politically motivated.
In his defence, Yoon argued that he never intended to impose long-term military rule. He said the martial law declaration was meant as a political warning to the opposition-controlled parliament, which he claimed was obstructing his policy agenda.
The sentencing marks a major moment in South Korea’s political history, underscoring the legal consequences faced by former leaders and setting the stage for further high-profile trials in the months ahead.
