South Korean political investigations

Developing StoryLast updated MAY 29
SUMMARY

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was acquitted of perjury charges by a Seoul court on May 28, 2026, due to insufficient evidence related to his testimony during former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's insurrection trial. As of May 28, 2026, Yoon Suk Yeol had previously been sentenced to one year and six months in prison for perjury during his impeachment trial on May 21, 2026, and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a three-year prison sentence on May 22, 2026, for deceiving the Presidential Security Service. A former National Fire Agency chief was booked on May 26, 2026, on suspicion of performing key duties in an insurrection related to Yoon's martial law imposition, while a special counsel team continues its extended probe into Yoon's martial law bid and his wife's alleged corruption.

Timeline

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May 2026 — 13 developments

  1. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been acquitted of perjury charges by a Seoul court due to insufficient evidence.

    Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been acquitted of perjury charges by a Seoul court due to insufficient evidence. The charges were related to his testimony during the insurrection trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo concerning a cabinet meeting before Yoon's martial law declaration. The acquittal occurred on May 28, 2026.

  2. A former deputy chief of the National Intelligence Service has denied allegations that the NIS attempted to justify Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid to foreign intelligence agencies.

    A former deputy chief of the National Intelligence Service has denied allegations that the NIS attempted to justify Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid to foreign intelligence agencies. This denial is part of a special counsel's inquiry into the events surrounding the martial law declaration.

  3. The Justice Ministry has denied allegations that former President Yoon Suk Yeol is receiving prefere…

    The Justice Ministry has denied allegations that former President Yoon Suk Yeol is receiving preferential treatment at Seoul Detention Center, stating he is using a single cell like ordinary inmates and that all inmates are treated under the same rules. These denials come after a YouTube channel alleged that Yoon was receiving special privileges, including upgraded meals.

  4. On May 26, 2026, a former National Fire Agency chief was booked on suspicion of performing key duties in an insurrection related to Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law.

    On May 26, 2026, a former National Fire Agency chief was booked on suspicion of performing key duties in an insurrection related to Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law. This action is part of the ongoing investigation into Yoon's administration.

  5. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to three years in prison for deceiving the Presi…

    Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to three years in prison for deceiving the Presidential Security Service into issuing a secure phone following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court found Kim guilty of obstruction of official duties by deception for obtaining the phone on December 2, 2024. Former NIS Director Cho Tae-yong also received a one year and six month sentence for perjury.

  6. A special counsel team has sought arrest warrants for three former presidential officials, including…

    A special counsel team has sought arrest warrants for three former presidential officials, including a former chief of staff to Yoon Suk Yeol, over alleged irregularities in the 2022 relocation of the presidential residence. This action is part of a broader investigation into Yoon's administration.

  7. The special counsel team investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife has extended its probe by 30 days.

    The special counsel team investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife has extended its probe by 30 days. The extended investigation will cover Yoon's martial law bid, his wife's alleged corruption, and other unresolved suspicions. Separately, an appeals court increased the prison sentence for Yoon's wife to four years for corruption charges.

  8. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for perjury during his impeachment trial.

    Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for perjury during his impeachment trial. The court also convicted former NIS director Cho Tae-yong of perjury and fabricating official documents, sentencing him to one year and six months. Park Chong-jun, former chief of the Presidential Security Service, was acquitted of charges of destroying evidence.

  9. The South Korean special counsel has summoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning on December 6th and 13th.

    The South Korean special counsel has summoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning on December 6th and 13th. The questioning pertains to charges of leading an insurrection and rebellion under the Military Criminal Act, stemming from his martial law declaration in December 2024.

  10. The Seoul High Court dismissed a recusal application by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team …

    The Seoul High Court dismissed a recusal application by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team on May 20, 2026, allowing his appellate trial for martial law conviction to proceed. Separately, a special counsel team has extended its investigation into unresolved suspicions surrounding Yoon and his wife by 30 days.

  11. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in the martial law declaration.

    Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in the martial law declaration. On appeal, former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min's prison term was increased to nine years, and retired Major General Noh Sang-won's two-year sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court.

  12. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for aiding and abetting former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law.

    Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for aiding and abetting former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. Additionally, former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min's prison sentence was increased to nine years on appeal for his role in the crisis.

  13. The appeals trial for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection charges, linked to his martial law declaration, began on May 14, 2026, but was halted.

    The appeals trial for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection charges, linked to his martial law declaration, began on May 14, 2026, but was halted. Yoon's legal team requested the recusal of the judges, leading to the suspension of proceedings. He faces multiple trials related to the martial law bid.

April 2026 — 4 developments

  1. South Korean prosecutors are seeking a 30-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in a case concerning alleged drone operations over Pyongyang.

    South Korean prosecutors are seeking a 30-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in a case concerning alleged drone operations over Pyongyang. Prosecutors claim Yoon ordered these operations to create a pretext for his December 2024 martial law declaration. This case is one of eight trials Yoon is facing following his impeachment and removal from office.

  2. A special counsel team demanded a two-year prison sentence for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in a perjury case linked to his martial law declaration.

    A special counsel team demanded a two-year prison sentence for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in a perjury case linked to his martial law declaration. This demand follows his life sentence for orchestrating an insurrection.

  3. Seven South Korean general-level officers have filed lawsuits against the defense ministry seeking t…

    Seven South Korean general-level officers have filed lawsuits against the defense ministry seeking to revoke disciplinary actions taken against them for their alleged role in the 2024 martial law bid. These lawsuits were filed in March 2026, following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment in April 2025 and his subsequent life sentence for insurrection.

  4. Rallies were held on April 4, 2026, to mark the one-year anniversary of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.

    Rallies were held on April 4, 2026, to mark the one-year anniversary of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Yoon was found guilty of abuse of power, falsifying documents, and obstructing justice on January 16, 2026, receiving a five-year sentence, and was later sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating an insurrection related to his martial law declaration on February 19, 2026.

March 2026 — 2 developments

  1. An appeals court in Seoul has begun the first hearing for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's trial on charges of obstruction of justice.

    An appeals court in Seoul has begun the first hearing for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's trial on charges of obstruction of justice. This hearing follows a lower court's ruling in January that sentenced Yoon to five years in prison for obstructing investigators after his martial law attempt in December 2024. Both Yoon and the special counsel team have appealed the initial verdict.

  2. The appeals court began the first hearing for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's obstruction of justice trial on March 3, 2026.

    The appeals court began the first hearing for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's obstruction of justice trial on March 3, 2026. Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, and his impeachment was upheld by the Constitutional Court on April 4, 2025.

February 2026 — 5 developments

  1. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has appealed his life sentence for rebellion, handed down after his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024.

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has appealed his life sentence for rebellion, handed down after his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. His lawyers stated they would challenge the verdict, citing "flaws in this judgment" and "misapplications of laws."

  2. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on February 20, 2026, for the suffering caused by his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024.

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized on February 20, 2026, for the suffering caused by his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024. The apology came a day after he was sentenced to life in prison for leading an insurrection. Yoon stated he was sorry for the "frustration and hardship" but stood behind the "sincerity and purpose" of his actions, while also claiming the court's decision was "predetermined."

  3. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol received a five-year prison term on January 16, 2026, for obstructing his arrest, in addition to his life sentence for insurrection.

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol received a five-year prison term on January 16, 2026, for obstructing his arrest, in addition to his life sentence for insurrection. This sentence is part of multiple legal proceedings against Yoon, who faces a total of eight criminal trials. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years for his role in the martial law attempt.

  4. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison after being convict…

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of leading an insurrection related to his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of orchestrating an attempt to install a military-led government, rejecting prosecutors' request for the death penalty. This verdict makes Yoon the first elected head of state in South Korea's democratic era to receive the maximum custodial sentence.

January 2026 — 5 developments

  3. Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison on January 21, 2…

    Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison on January 21, 2026, for his involvement in the martial law insurrection, having been found to have created the appearance of a legitimate cabinet meeting to approve an unconstitutional decree.

  4. A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for charges related to his martial law decree, and he plans to appeal the ruling.

    A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for charges related to his martial law decree, and he plans to appeal the ruling.

  5. Prosecutors demanded the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in his insurrection trial …

    Prosecutors demanded the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in his insurrection trial on January 13, 2026, characterizing his actions as a "serious destruction of constitutional order."

December 2025 — 1 developments

  1. South Korean prosecutors sought a 10-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol during …

    South Korean prosecutors sought a 10-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol during the final hearing of his trial for obstruction of justice and other charges related to his martial law attempt. He is also facing multiple other trials, including a more severe charge of leading an insurrection, with one trial continuing into February 2026.

April 2025 — 1 developments

  1. The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment against President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office.

    The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment against President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office. This ruling triggered a snap presidential election to be held within 60 days.

March 2025 — 1 developments

  1. The Constitutional Court ruled against the National Assembly's impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president.

    The Constitutional Court ruled against the National Assembly's impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him as acting president.

February 2025 — 1 developments

  1. The Constitutional Court held its 11th and final hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial, with Yoon present for his final statement.

    The Constitutional Court held its 11th and final hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial, with Yoon present for his final statement.

January 2025 — 1 developments

  1. President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained as part of a widening probe into his martial law decree.

    President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained as part of a widening probe into his martial law decree.

December 2024 — 6 developments

  1. Opposition lawmakers voted to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was serving as acting president, citing his failure to act on Yoon's impeachment process.

    Opposition lawmakers voted to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was serving as acting president, citing his failure to act on Yoon's impeachment process. First Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok became acting president.

  2. The Constitutional Court held its first internal meeting to discuss President Yoon's impeachment trial.

    The Constitutional Court held its first internal meeting to discuss President Yoon's impeachment trial.

  3. The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against President Yoon with 204 votes in favor, suspending his presidential powers and duties.

    The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against President Yoon with 204 votes in favor, suspending his presidential powers and duties. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo became acting president.

  4. The first impeachment vote against President Yoon in the National Assembly failed as his party boycotted the proceeding, preventing a quorum.

    The first impeachment vote against President Yoon in the National Assembly failed as his party boycotted the proceeding, preventing a quorum.

  5. Lawmakers voted to rescind President Yoon's martial law order, which was subsequently lifted.

    Lawmakers voted to rescind President Yoon's martial law order, which was subsequently lifted.

  6. President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a televised emergency address, citing 'anti-state forces' and a 'legislative dictatorship' by the opposition.

    President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a televised emergency address, citing 'anti-state forces' and a 'legislative dictatorship' by the opposition.