Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison in a case related to his orders for drone flights over North Korea. These actions were allegedly aimed at justifying his declaration of martial law. Alongside him, former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun was also sentenced by the Seoul Central District Court.

Yoon, aged 65, had previously faced a life sentence for leading an insurrection after declaring martial law in December 2024. The controversial move led to heightened tensions between North and South Korea. North Korea accused South Korea of using drones to drop propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang in October 2024, which South Korea’s Defense Ministry neither confirmed nor denied.

The incident increased tensions between the two countries, yet did not escalate into military conflict. Prosecutors charged Yoon with fabricating a crisis with North Korea as part of a scheme to seize authoritarian control and eliminate political opposition.

In February 2025, Yoon appeared at a hearing of his impeachment trial in Seoul. His televised address prior to imposing martial law accused liberal lawmakers of having sympathies for North Korea. Yoon justified his actions as constitutionally supported, aimed at addressing what he perceived as the obstructive actions of opposition parties.

Martial law lasted about six hours before being overturned by lawmakers amid massive public demonstrations. Yoon was arrested in July 2025 and is facing additional charges. He has appealed his insurrection verdict, and prosecutors, who sought the death penalty, have also filed an appeal.

Supporters of Yoon have continued to rally in his defense, most recently gathering outside the Seoul High Court in April 2026. Yoon maintains his legal battles as proceedings continue.