South Korea's former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, faces a five-year prison sentence for his failed martial law bid in 2024, which included charges of power abuse, obstructing justice, and falsifying documents. This verdict comes as the first in a series of trials linked to his controversial martial law decree, which caused nationwide turmoil and sparked protests. The judge's statement on Friday emphasized the depth of the political crisis, noting Yoon's consistent lack of remorse. The trial's outcome provides insight into the potential outcomes of the remaining charges, which include abuse of power and campaign law violations, with the most serious charge being insurrection, for which prosecutors have demanded the death penalty. The trial's verdict is expected in February. On Friday, a large crowd of Yoon's supporters gathered outside the courthouse, some holding banners supporting him, while others expressed solemnity. The judge's ruling highlighted Yoon's use of presidential bodyguards to prevent arrest, his failure to consult the cabinet, and the drafting and destruction of a falsified document. The prosecution sought a 10-year jail term, but both sides have the right to appeal within seven days. Yoon's defense argues that the arrest warrant was invalid and that consulting every cabinet member is not a legal requirement. He claims investigators lacked a legal basis for his arrest, and most accusations are invalid due to no procedural lapses in the martial law declaration. South Korea's courts often show leniency when the accused accepts guilt, but the prosecution argues that Yoon's lack of remorse justifies a severe penalty. The last jailed former president, Park Geun-hye, was pardoned shortly after her 2021 sentence for power abuse and bribery. The trials bring attention to South Korea's deep divisions, with a significant portion of the population viewing Yoon as a martyr. A survey revealed that nearly 30% of South Koreans did not consider Yoon's martial law declaration an insurrection, and his supporters organized counter-protests, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding his presidency.
