Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on charges including obstruction of justice related to his imposition of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict, highlighting Yoon's attempts to prevent his detainment by ordering the Presidential Security Service to block investigators at the presidential residence in January last year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Judge Baek Dae-hyun criticized Yoon for exploiting the armed forces and public servants for personal safety and interests. The judge emphasized the need for severe punishment to restore the rule of law affected by Yoon's actions. The sentence was half of the ten years requested by special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team, which described Yoon's actions as a grave crime involving the privatization of state institutions.

Yoon faced additional accusations, including violating the rights of Cabinet members during the martial law plan, destroying a revised proclamation, and ordering the dissemination of false press statements. The court found Yoon guilty of most charges except for two related to Cabinet members' rights and false press statements.

Despite the absence of previous criminal offenses, the court noted the serious nature of Yoon's crimes and his lack of remorse. Yoon appeared visibly nervous during the ruling, taking deep breaths as the decision was announced.

The court also confirmed the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials acted within its authority in investigating Yoon's detention. The ruling could influence next month's verdict on charges of insurrection led by Yoon through his martial law decree.

Special prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon regarding the insurrection charge, with a verdict expected on February 19. Yoon is involved in eight trials related to the martial law attempt, alleged corruption by his wife, and the 2023 death of a Marine.

This trial marks the third instance of a former president's trial being broadcast live, following the 2018 televised sentencing of former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak in corruption cases.