In a landmark ruling that shocked many, a Seoul court sentenced ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years behind bars on Friday.
The charges? Mainly obstructing justice after his dramatic and failed attempt to impose martial law back in December 2024.
It all started when Yoon, facing a hostile parliament after his party lost its majority, declared martial law. He claimed it was needed to fight "anti-state forces" and get things back on track. The move stunned the nation and lasted only hours before lawmakers rejected it.
Things got messier from there. Yoon barricaded himself in his residence, ordered security to block investigators, wiped phone data, and even faced accusations of faking official documents. The court called his actions a serious abuse of power, saying he treated state officials like personal bodyguards for his own protection.
The judge didn't hold back: Yoon ignored his duty to uphold the Constitution, and the crimes were "extremely grave."
This is just the first verdict. Yoon still faces a bigger trial for insurrection where prosecutors are pushing for the death penalty with a decision expected next month.
His legal team quickly announced plans to appeal, calling the ruling politically motivated.
After the martial law fiasco, Yoon was impeached, removed from office, and replaced by Lee Jae-myung following elections.
For South Korea, this marks a historic moment: a former leader in jail over such dramatic events. The case continues to divide the country, but the court made clear no one is above the law.
It all started when Yoon, facing a hostile parliament after his party lost its majority, declared martial law. He claimed it was needed to fight "anti-state forces" and get things back on track. The move stunned the nation and lasted only hours before lawmakers rejected it.
Things got messier from there. Yoon barricaded himself in his residence, ordered security to block investigators, wiped phone data, and even faced accusations of faking official documents. The court called his actions a serious abuse of power, saying he treated state officials like personal bodyguards for his own protection.
The judge didn't hold back: Yoon ignored his duty to uphold the Constitution, and the crimes were "extremely grave."
This is just the first verdict. Yoon still faces a bigger trial for insurrection where prosecutors are pushing for the death penalty with a decision expected next month.
His legal team quickly announced plans to appeal, calling the ruling politically motivated.
After the martial law fiasco, Yoon was impeached, removed from office, and replaced by Lee Jae-myung following elections.
For South Korea, this marks a historic moment: a former leader in jail over such dramatic events. The case continues to divide the country, but the court made clear no one is above the law.
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