South Korea Ex-PM Jailed for Martial Law
Analysis based on 94 articles · First reported Jan 16, 2026 · Last updated Jan 22, 2026
The ongoing legal proceedings and convictions of former high-ranking officials like Yoon Suk Yeol and Han Duck-soo for actions related to martial law create political instability in South Korea. This could lead to investor uncertainty regarding the stability of the nation's governance and rule of law, potentially affecting foreign investment and the broader economy.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison by the South Korea — Seoul Central District Court for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and other crimes related to his failed martial law declaration in December 2024. The court found Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of blocking investigators from detaining him and excluding cabinet members from a martial law planning meeting. Separately, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison for abetting Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law imposition, with the court ruling that the declaration constituted an act of rebellion. Both Yoon Suk Yeol and Han Duck-soo maintain their innocence and plan to appeal. Yoon Suk Yeol faces further trials, including a potential death penalty for insurrection charges, with a ruling expected on February 19, 2026. The events have caused significant political turmoil in South Korea, leading to Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment and removal from office.
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