South Korea is gripped by the dramatic legal battle surrounding its former president, Yoon Suk Yeol. In a significant development, prosecutors have demanded a 10-year prison sentence for Mr. Yoon, marking the first conclusion of seven criminal cases against him. The charges stem primarily from his ill-fated attempt to declare martial law in 2024 and other allegations that arose during his time in office.
The martial law decree, which brought armed troops onto the streets of Seoul, triggered South Korea’s most serious political crisis in decades. Thankfully, it lasted only a few hours as politicians quickly convened to lift the order. Mr. Yoon was subsequently impeached by parliament in December 2024 and formally removed from office by a Constitutional Court ruling in April.
The current sentencing demand focuses on charges including obstruction of official duties, abuse of power, falsification of documents, and destruction of evidence. Prosecutors allege that Mr. Yoon hindered attempts to investigate and detain him for weeks after his impeachment, causing national concern.
Mr. Yoon vehemently denies all charges, with his lawyers arguing that the detention warrant was invalid. A verdict from the court is expected as early as next month.
This is just one chapter in Mr. Yoon’s legal woes. He faces other serious trials, including accusations of corruption, favour trading, and the grave charge of rebellion, which could carry a life sentence or even execution. He also faces charges related to ordering drone flights over North Korea to escalate tensions and manipulating investigations. Despite the mounting legal pressure, Mr. Yoon maintains his innocence, claiming his actions were aimed at challenging the opposition party.
