A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison. He was found guilty of ordering drone flights over North Korea, allegedly to justify his declaration of martial law. The sentence was issued by the Seoul Central District Court. Yoon, aged 65, was sentenced alongside Kim Yong Hyun, the former Defense Minister.
Previously, Yoon had received a life sentence for leading an insurrection related to his martial law declaration in December 2024. North Korea claimed that South Korea flew drones over Pyongyang to distribute propaganda leaflets on three occasions in October 2024.
Amid these accusations, the South Korean Defense Ministry initially did not confirm or deny the allegations. Although tensions between North and South Korea increased, no military conflict arose from the drone flights. Prosecutors argued that Yoon attempted to instigate a crisis with North Korea as part of an authoritarian strategy to eliminate political opposition and strengthen his control.
Before imposing martial law, Yoon delivered a television address accusing liberal politicians of having ties with North Korea. He claimed constitutional authority for declaring martial law, stating it was necessary to highlight the obstruction by opposition parties. The martial law was revoked by lawmakers within six hours following widespread protests.
Yoon was detained in July 2025 and faces additional criminal charges. He and prosecutors, who initially sought the death penalty, have appealed the insurrection verdict. This case has attracted significant public attention and has been followed by ongoing criminal proceedings against Yoon.
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