South Korean ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years for obstructionListen to this articleA group of far-right protesters gathering to support Yoon Suk Yeol hold banners with a slogan, before a bus carrying the former South Korean president arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on Friday. (Photo: Reuters)SEOUL - A South Korean court on ‌Friday ​sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for charges including obstructing ‌attempts to arrest him following his failed bid ‌to impose martial law. The ruling is the first related to the criminal charges Yoon faces over his botched martial law declaration. Prosecutors did not answer questions from reporters about whether they would lodge an appeal, which they are entitled to do under South Korean law. Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul on July 9, 2025.

Source: Bangkok Post January 16, 2026 12:35 UTC