South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to prison over failed 2024 martial law bid

BBC
BBC
31m ago
South Korea’s impeached ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison for abuse of power, obstructing justice and falsifying documents connected to his failed 2024 martial law attempt.
South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to prison over failed 2024 martial law bid
A What happened
Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison for abuse of power, obstructing justice and falsifying documents tied to his failed 2024 martial law bid. The martial law decree was short-lived and triggered nationwide turmoil, protests, and MPs rushing to the national assembly to overturn the decision. A judge said Yoon’s actions plunged the country into political crisis and that he consistently showed no remorse. The ruling is the first verdict among four trials, and prosecutors have demanded the death penalty in an insurrection case with a verdict expected in February.

Key insights

  • 1

    Court cited lack of remorse: A judge said Yoon consistently showed no remorse, and prosecutors argued the lack of remorse supported a more severe penalty.

  • 2

    Insurrection case remains pending: Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty on an insurrection charge, and the verdict in that trial is expected in February.

  • 3

    Public division persists: Yoon retained strong supporters, and a December survey found nearly 30% of South Koreans did not believe the martial law declaration amounted to an insurrection.

Takeaways

Yoon faces a five-year prison sentence with appeals possible and additional trials pending, including an insurrection case with a verdict expected in February.

Topics

World & Politics Elections Governance Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Courts

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