Seoul:A court has convicted 34 student activists of trespassing on the former presidential compound and a U.S. military base between 2022 and 2024.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced a senior leader of the Korean Progressive University Student Union (KPUSU) to a suspended four-month prison term. Additionally, 32 members were ordered to pay fines ranging from 1 million won (US$756) to 6 million won, with another member receiving a deferred sentence of a 1 million-won fine.

The student activists were charged with multiple offenses, including trespassing on a U.S. military installation in South Korea during rallies staged against joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States in August 2022 and March 2023. They also attempted illegal entry into the presidential compound in Seoul's Yongsan Ward in January and October 2024, demanding the resignation of then President Yoon Suk Yeol and a special investigation into then first lady Kim Keon Hee.

The court emphasized that the defendants had not acted impulsively, but had conspired in advance, sharing picket signs and gathering to discuss plans before attempting to enter the presidential compound. The court expressed concerns about the potential threat posed to national security since the presidential office was located on the same compound as the defense ministry. It also highlighted that while freedom of expression and assembly are guaranteed rights, they should be exercised within the legal framework.