Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached former president of South Korea, has been sentenced to five years in prison for abusing his power, obstructing justice, and falsifying documents related to his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law in 2024. This marks the first judgment in a series of four trials connected to his unexpected martial law announcement. Although the declaration was brief, it caused widespread unrest, leading to protests as lawmakers hurried to the national assembly to reverse Yoon's decision. A judge stated on Friday that Yoon's actions "plunged the country into political crisis" and noted that he has "consistently shown no remorse." The ruling gives hints about how the remaining trials for Yoon might proceed. He faces multiple charges, including abuse of power and violations of campaign laws. The most serious allegation is insurrection, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. A verdict for that trial is anticipated in February. Around 100 of Yoon's supporters gathered outside the courthouse on Friday to watch the proceedings, which were streamed on a large screen. Some held red banners reading: “Yoon, again! Make Korea great again.” As the judge announced the guilty verdicts, some supporters shouted at him while others appeared serious. On Friday, Yoon was found guilty of using presidential security to avoid arrest, not consulting his entire cabinet before declaring martial law, and preparing and then destroying a false document that claimed the prime minister and defense minister had approved the martial law. The judge remarked, "The accused has the duty to safeguard the constitution and law but turned his back on them."
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