A South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for declaring martial law in December 2024. The ruling, delivered by the Seoul Central District Court on Friday, was broadcast live. Yoon was found guilty of issuing martial law, obstructing the execution of arrest warrants, falsifying official documents, and failing to follow legal procedures required for declaring martial law. He has seven days to appeal the sentence.

Judge Baek Da-hyun stated that Yoon failed to uphold the constitution and the rule of law, emphasizing that as president, it was his duty to protect both. The judge described Yoon’s actions as a serious offense that disregarded constitutional principles. Following the verdict, Yoon’s lawyer announced that the former president would appeal, claiming the case was politically motivated.

The December 2024 attempt to impose martial law led to several criminal cases against Yoon. This is the first major verdict in those proceedings.