A special counsel team has requested a 10-year prison sentence for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for charges related to his imposition of martial law in December 2024. The team, led by Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk, accused Yoon of obstructing justice and privatizing state institutions to conceal his actions. This sentencing recommendation marks the first from Yoon’s four trials on martial law-related charges.
The team emphasized that Yoon’s actions severely disrupted law and order in South Korea and betrayed the trust of the people who elected him. Despite the gravity of the charges, Yoon has not expressed remorse during the trial proceedings. The trial focuses on allegations that Yoon impeded justice by preventing his detention, violated the rights of Cabinet members, and engaged in deceptive practices regarding the martial law declaration.
Yoon faces specific charges, including obstructing his detention, violating Cabinet members’ rights, spreading false information to the media, and drafting a revised proclamation. The special counsel team has called for strict accountability to restore the damaged legal framework and prevent future abuses of power by influential figures in South Korea. Yoon is also involved in other trials related to his failed martial law attempt, including accusations of leading an insurrection.
The trial for obstruction of justice is expected to conclude first, with a verdict likely to be delivered on January 16, just before Yoon’s arrest deadline. Yoon’s defense had requested a delay until after the insurrection trial, but the judge rejected this plea. The insurrection trial is anticipated to finish in early January, possibly leading to a verdict in February.
