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South Korean prosecutors on Friday demanded a 10-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in the first of multiple criminal trials stemming from his controversial attempt to impose martial law in 2024, marking a dramatic chapter in the nation’s political history.
The request came as the Seoul Central District Court heard closing arguments in a case where Yoon faces charges including obstruction of official duties, abuse of power, falsification of official documents and destruction of evidence. The court is expected to deliver its verdict as early as next month.
“This was an unprecedented obstruction of official duties,” said Park Eok-su, a senior investigator on independent counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team, during Friday’s court session.
Yoon’s defense attorneys immediately pushed back, calling the proposed sentence “excessive” and accusing prosecutors of political motivation rather than adherence to legal standards. They maintain that the detention warrant Yoon resisted was invalid and illegal.
This trial represents only one facet of Yoon’s legal troubles. The former president faces six additional criminal proceedings, with charges ranging from corruption and influence peddling to rebellion—a particularly grave accusation that could carry penalties as severe as life imprisonment or even death. The rebellion trial is also nearing conclusion.
The cases stem primarily from Yoon’s brief but consequential imposition of martial law, which brought military forces onto Seoul’s streets in what became South Korea’s most serious political crisis in decades. The martial law declaration lasted only hours before the National Assembly voted to lift it, but the political fallout was immense.
Yoon was subsequently impeached by the opposition-controlled parliament in December 2024 and formally removed from office following a Constitutional Court decision in April.
Following his removal, Yoon barricaded himself in his residence for weeks, refusing to comply with authorities’ attempts to execute a warrant for his detention. The standoff heightened concerns about potential physical confrontations between his presidential security service and law enforcement officials, further polarizing a nation already deeply divided.
Last week, independent counsel Cho’s team concluded a six-month investigation, alleging that Yoon had methodically planned for over a year to declare martial law specifically to neutralize political opponents and consolidate power.
Prosecutors have also accused the former president of bypassing the legally required full Cabinet meeting before declaring martial law and fabricating documents including the martial law proclamation itself. They further allege that Yoon ordered the deletion of data from phones used by those involved in implementing the martial law decree.
Yoon has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming that his decree was intended to galvanize public support in his political struggle against the main opposition Democratic Party, which he accused of obstructing his agenda and impeaching his top officials.
Beyond the martial law controversy, Yoon faces additional serious charges in separate proceedings. These include allegations that he ordered provocative drone flights over North Korea to deliberately heighten tensions and justify his martial law plans, committed perjury during his prime minister’s trial, attempted to manipulate the investigation into a marine’s drowning in 2023, and received free polling data from an election broker in exchange for political favors.
Yoon has denied knowledge of such drone flights and rejected the influence-peddling accusations.
The trials represent an extraordinary downfall for a leader who once held South Korea’s highest office and highlight the country’s ongoing political turbulence. The proceedings are being closely watched both domestically and internationally as they unfold against the backdrop of regional security concerns and economic challenges facing the East Asian nation.
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8 Comments
This is a complex and politically charged case. I hope the court is able to make a fair and impartial ruling based solely on the facts and applicable laws, without undue influence or bias.
Given the gravity of the charges, a 10-year sentence does seem severe. However, the details of Yoon’s actions and their impacts will be crucial in determining an appropriate punishment, if any.
This case highlights the delicate balance between presidential powers and democratic checks and balances. I hope the trial provides clarity and helps strengthen South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Allegations of corruption and abuse of power by government officials are always concerning. I’ll be following this trial closely to see how the evidence and arguments play out.
Agreed. Transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions. This trial will be an important test case.
This is a concerning development in South Korean politics. While the alleged actions of the former president are troubling, a 10-year sentence seems harsh. I hope the court weighs all evidence carefully and makes a fair and impartial judgment.
Martial law is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. I’m curious to learn more about the specific circumstances and Yoon’s defense arguments. Trials like this are important for upholding the rule of law.
You raise a good point. The legality of the detention warrant is a key issue that will likely be a focus of the trial. It’s important the court examines all the facts objectively.