South Korea court sentences ex-president Yoon to 5 years in prison for obstruction

He is found guilty of obstruction, fabricating official documents and failing to comply with legal martial law process

A woman holds a sign bearing South Korean national flag with a portrait of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, as they wait for his arrival for the final arguments in his insurrection trial, at a court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan 13, 2026. REUTERS

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 Seoul Central District Court said it found Yoon guilty of obstructing authorities from executing an arrest warrant related to his martial law declaration in December 2024, live broadcast of the ruling showed.

He was also found guilty of charges that include fabricating official documents and failing to comply with legal process required for martial law.

The ruling is the first related to the criminal charges Yoon faces over his botched martial law declaration.

The ruling can be appealed.