Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison on June 12, 2026, for ordering drone flights over North Korea to justify his declaration of martial law. Yoon, 65, was sentenced alongside former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun by the Seoul Central District Court. Previously, Yoon was sentenced to life in prison for leading an insurrection following his martial law declaration in December 2024. North Korea accused South Korea of flying drones over Pyongyang to drop propaganda leaflets on three occasions in October 2024. The then-Defense Minister Kim initially denied the allegations, while South Korea's Defense Ministry stated it could neither confirm nor deny them. Although tensions escalated between the two Koreas, the drone flights did not result in military clashes. Prosecutors accused Yoon of attempting to create a crisis with North Korea to consolidate power and eliminate political opponents. Yoon claimed he had the constitutional authority to declare martial law, which lasted approximately six hours before being overturned by lawmakers amid public protests. He was arrested in July 2025 and is facing multiple criminal proceedings. Both Yoon and prosecutors have appealed the insurrection verdict, with prosecutors having sought the death penalty.