Court Delivers First Verdict in Multi‑Case Martial‑Law Saga On 16 January 2026 the Seoul Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk‑yeol to five years in prison, marking the inaugural judgment among eight criminal cases stemming from his December 2024 martial‑law proclamation [1][2]. The conviction covers obstruction of investigators who attempted to detain him and other charges linked to the short‑lived decree. The ruling signals a concrete penalty in a broader legal reckoning over the coup‑like episode.

December 2024 Decree Sparked Impeachment and Nationwide Unrest Yoon’s order to deploy troops around the National Assembly triggered mass protests, his impeachment, arrest, and eventual removal from office [1]. The episode is described as a “martial‑law crisis” that destabilized South Korea’s democratic institutions. Authorities framed the action as an attempt to seize power, fueling public outrage and parliamentary backlash.

Rebellion Charge Remains Pending with Possible Death Penalty Prosecutors treat the martial‑law action as rebellion, and an independent counsel has sought the death penalty, though a February 19 ruling will decide that charge’s fate [1]. Legal analysts note the death penalty is unlikely, suggesting life imprisonment or extended terms as more probable outcomes. The rebellion charge therefore remains a critical, unresolved element of Yoon’s legal battles.

Defense Argues Limited Intent and Plans Immediate Appeal Yoon’s lawyers maintain the decree was intended only as a warning about parliamentary obstruction, not a bid for prolonged rule [1]. Judge Baek Dae‑hyun criticized Yoon’s lack of remorse and “hard‑to‑comprehend” excuses, prompting the defense to label the verdict politicized and announce an appeal [1]. The appeal will focus on contesting the rebellion charge and the severity of the sentence.

Experts Predict Harsh but Not Capital Punishment Commentators stress that while the court emphasized a heavy punishment to restore legal order, the death penalty is improbable in rebellion cases [1]. Potential sentences include life imprisonment or additional years beyond the five‑year term already imposed. The case underscores South Korea’s effort to reassert judicial authority after the constitutional crisis.