10-Year Term Demanded for Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in First Sentencing Request
Special counsel seeks a 10-year prison term for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over obstruction of justice. The first verdict is set for Jan 16, 2026.
The legal reckoning for South Korea's failed martial law bid has reached a critical turning point. On December 26, 2025, a special counsel team led by Cho Eun-suk asked the Seoul Central District Court to sentence former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 10 years in prison. This marks the first formal sentencing recommendation among the four ongoing trials related to the insurrection and obstruction of justice charges.
Breakdown of the 10-Year Sentence
The prosecution's demand is divided based on specific charges. The most significant portion—5 years—is for obstruction of justice, specifically for blocking investigators from detaining him in January. The special counsel argued that Yoon privatized state institutions to conceal his actions.
| Charge Category | Requested Term |
|---|---|
| Obstruction of Detention | 5 Years |
| Violation of Cabinet Rights & Falsehoods | 3 Years |
| Drafting/Destroying Proclamations | 2 Years |
To repair the Constitution damaged by the defendant and prevent a repeat of power abuse by the most powerful figures, we must demand strict accountability.
Judicial Timeline and Verdict Date
The court scheduled the final verdict for January 16, 2026, just two days before Yoon's current arrest warrant is set to expire. While the defense requested a delay until the insurrection trial concludes, the judge dismissed the motion, prioritizing the conclusion of the obstruction case.
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