South Korea’s special prosecutor on Friday asked a court to sentence former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 10 years in prison, accusing him of abusing his authority and attempting to obstruct his arrest after his failed effort to impose martial law earlier this year.
The sentencing request marks the first time prosecutors have formally sought jail time in a series of criminal cases against the ousted leader, underscoring the severity of allegations facing one of South Korea’s most powerful political figures in recent history.
According to prosecutors, Yoon attempted to prevent investigators from arresting him in January by barricading himself inside the presidential compound. The special prosecutor said the former president misused state authority to shield himself from law enforcement action.
In a recorded video of the trial, a prosecutor told the court that Yoon had violated the public trust. “The defendant, who was expected to protect the constitution and uphold the rule of law, instead abused his power and caused harm to the public,” the prosecutor said while requesting the sentence.
“He has not apologized or shown remorse,” the prosecutor added, saying Yoon instead attempted to deflect blame onto senior aides.
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Beyond the obstruction charge, prosecutors argued that Yoon failed to follow constitutional procedures when he announced martial law, including not properly convening all cabinet members beforehand.
They also accused him of disseminating misleading information to foreign journalists during the crisis, further complicating diplomatic and legal fallout from the episode.
South Korean media reported that the Seoul Central District Court is expected to issue a ruling on the case on January 16.
Yoon, 65, is also standing trial separately on insurrection charges, a case that carries significantly heavier penalties. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, under South Korean law.
In a parallel development, a special prosecutor investigating alleged misconduct involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, indicted the former president on Friday for allegedly violating the Public Official Election Act. The charge is linked to an investigation into suspected bribery and stock manipulation involving Kim.
Yoon has consistently denied all accusations across the multiple cases, maintaining that the charges are unfounded.