Yoon Suk‑Yeol Receives Five‑Year Prison Term The Seoul Central District Court handed former president Yoon Suk‑Yeol a five‑year imprisonment on Jan. 16, 2026, after finding him guilty of obstruction of justice and related offenses. The verdict concluded a high‑profile trial that examined Yoon’s actions while in office, including alleged interference with investigations. Prosecutors presented documentary evidence and witness testimony linking Yoon to attempts to impede legal inquiries, which the judges deemed sufficient for conviction. [1]

Obstruction Charges Stem From Presidential Tenure The obstruction of justice charge focused on Yoon’s alleged direction of senior officials to suppress evidence concerning a corruption probe into his administration. Additional counts addressed misuse of presidential authority to influence law‑enforcement decisions. The court emphasized that the documented communications demonstrated a pattern of interference, distinguishing the case from routine political disputes. [1]

Sentencing Marks Rare Punishment of Former Leaders Yoon’s five‑year term places him among a limited group of former heads of state worldwide to receive prison time after leaving office. Legal analysts note that the ruling could set a precedent for accountability of South Korean executives. Implementation of the sentence will depend on appeals, but the judgment signals the judiciary’s willingness to enforce anti‑corruption statutes at the highest levels. [1]