A special counsel team in South Korea has requested a 10-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol during his appeals trial for obstructing justice related to his imposition of martial law in 2024. This demand comes as a significant increase from the initial five-year term given by a lower court earlier this year. Yoon was previously convicted of impeding investigators from detaining him and convening a selective meeting with Cabinet members to discuss his martial law strategy.
Yoon was also found guilty of fabricating and then discarding a false proclamation after the martial law was lifted, although he was acquitted of charges involving the dissemination of false press releases. A member of the special counsel team highlighted the severity of the offense, stating that Yoon misused his presidential authority to undermine the constitutional order and exploit state power. Despite opportunities to apologize, Yoon has maintained his innocence, prompting ongoing objections.
The court is anticipated to issue its verdict before the end of June, following the completion of the sentencing hearings, which typically occur within two months of the closing arguments. Yoon faces a series of legal proceedings related to his brief enforcement of martial law, allegations of corruption against his wife, and the death of a Marine in 2023. In a separate case, Yoon was previously sentenced to life imprisonment for inciting insurrection through the declaration of martial law. He has been in custody since July pending trial.
