South Korea’s former President Yoon sentenced to five years: What we know

Al JazeeraCenterEN 7 min read 100% complete by Shola LawalJanuary 16, 2026 at 03:47 PM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison by a Seoul Central District Court after being found guilty of multiple charges related to his 2024 martial law decree. The court ruling came on Friday and is part of several ongoing cases against the ex-leader, who was impeached and detained following widespread demonstrations against his government. Yoon's lawyers have announced plans to appeal the court's decision. He could face a death sentence in another case if found guilty of charges of insurrection. The charges include infringing on investigators' rights, obstructing justice, and fabricating official documents related to his martial law declaration. The sentencing marks one of the country's most sensitive political trials in recent history.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Constitutional Court 40% Seoul ×260% Seoul Central District Court ×270% martial law decree ×570% Yoon Suk Yeol ×790% South Korea ×6100%

Keywords

yoon suk yeol 100% south korea 90% martial law 90% jail sentence 80% impeachment 70% death penalty 60% political trial 60% insurrection 50% court ruling 50%