This is the first conviction in cases involving the former president. As specified by the Korea Herald, prosecutors had requested a ten-year sentence, of which five years were for resisting arrest, two years for revising the martial law decree, and three years for violating the rights of cabinet members, spreading false information in foreign media, and destroying evidence.
In early January last year, the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) attempted to arrest Yoon Suk-yeol after he ignored summonses for questioning three times regarding cases of treason and rebellion. The court issued a warrant for his arrest and search, but after a prolonged standoff with the former president's security, investigators decided not to detain him. Soon after, Yoon was arrested.
According to the Korea Herald, the former president claimed that the CIO did not have the authority to investigate cases of rebellion; however, the court confirmed the legality of the agency's actions based on a valid warrant.
Yoon Suk-yeol faces charges under eight articles. The next hearing in the rebellion case is scheduled for February 19, and the prosecution has requested the death penalty, characterizing him as the leader of the rebellion who sought to maintain power by seizing control over the judicial and legislative branches.
The martial law was declared on December 3, 2024, amid conflicts with opposition parties in parliament, particularly due to disputes over the budget for the following year and attempts to impeach several high-ranking officials.
Military equipment was deployed on the streets of Seoul, and the parliament building was surrounded. However, a few hours later, the regime was lifted. Yoon Suk-yeol was removed from power in mid-December 2024.
