01/16/2026, 07:4701/16/2026, 07:47
South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice. Just over a year ago, the conservative politician unexpectedly declared martial law and plunged the country into a national crisis. The Seoul Central District Court has now found that the 65-year-old prevented his arrest and deleted several evidence documents against him with the help of the presidential security service, among other things.
Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison.Image: keystone
On December 3, 2024, Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law in the wake of a budget dispute with the opposition. The conservative politician justified the radical measure with the protection of South Korea’s free order. He also accused the left-wing opposition of being infiltrated by communists with connections in China and North Korea. Yoon provided no evidence to support his allegations.
In a separate trial, prosecutors recently called for the death penalty for Yoon on suspicion of rioting. A verdict is scheduled for February 19th. Although the death penalty continues to be imposed in South Korea, it has not been carried out in almost 30 years.
At the time, international investors were concerned about the stability of the East Asian tiger state – and held back investments. The reputation of the country, which in the West had always been seen as a political and economic role model in the region, suffered worldwide. Since the summer, South Korea has been ruled by President Lee Jae Myung, a left-centrist politician and Yoon’s long-time political rival. (dab/sda/dpa)