South Korean political corruption trials

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SUMMARY

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted on July 27, 2026, of making false statements during his 2022 presidential campaign and sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years. As of July 27, 2026, this conviction, if upheld on appeal, could require his former party to return approximately 40 billion won in election expenses. He also faces a request for a five-year prison sentence in the Ambassador Appointment Case, with sentencing scheduled for September 11, 2026, and had a seven-year prison sentence for obstruction of arrest upheld by the Supreme Court on July 9, 2026. Additionally, Yoon was sentenced to two years in prison on July 13, 2026, for illegally receiving manipulated opinion polls, and an independent counsel probe into him and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, was extended on July 21, 2026, covering investigations into insurrection, treason, and corruption.

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July 2026 — 11 developments

  1. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol convicted of campaign fraud, gets suspended sentence

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been convicted of making false statements during his 2022 presidential campaign and sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years. The conviction stems from statements made in a January 2022 interview and a December 2021 news conference. If upheld on appeal, his former party may have to return approximately 40 billion won in election expenses.

  2. South Korea Special Counsel Seeks 5-Year Sentence for Ex-President Yoon in Ambassador Case

    A special counsel team has requested a five-year prison sentence for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in the Ambassador Appointment Case. The sentencing for this case is scheduled for September 11, 2026, adding to his ongoing legal battles.

  3. South Korea Parliament Extends Probe Into Ex-President Yoon and Wife

    South Korea's parliament passed a bill to extend an independent counsel probe into former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, Kim Keon-hee. The probe covers investigations into insurrection, treason, and corruption.

  4. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol indicted on rebellion and abuse of power charges

    Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted on rebellion charges in January 2025. In November 2025, special prosecutors also indicted him on charges of aiding an enemy state and abuse of power related to alleged drone flights over North Korea.

  5. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to 2 years for illegal opinion polls

    A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to two years in prison on July 13, 2026, for illegally receiving manipulated opinion polls. The court found that Yoon violated political funding laws and used his influence to repay the broker with political favors, potentially aiding his 2022 presidential bid.

  6. South Korean Supreme Court upholds ex-President Yoon's 7-year sentence

    South Korea's Supreme Court upheld a seven-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 9, 2026. This decision finalizes the sentence for obstruction of arrest, which an appeals court had previously increased from five to seven years.

  7. South Korean Supreme Court to broadcast ex-President Yoon's obstruction of justice verdict live

    The South Korean Supreme Court will allow a live broadcast of its verdict for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 9, 2026, concerning obstruction of justice charges. Yoon's legal team had opposed the broadcast, citing concerns about his right to a fair trial.

  8. South Korea Enforces New Fake News Law; Ex-President Yoon Faces Rulings

    South Korea began enforcing a new law on July 7, 2026, imposing steep punitive damages against media for spreading false information, a move that journalist groups fear could stifle discourse. Separately, former President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a Supreme Court ruling on July 9th regarding obstruction of justice charges, with an appeal trial for drone incursions scheduled for July 15th.

  9. Special Prosecutor Declines to Indict Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Rebellion Charges

    A second special prosecutor has declined to indict former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on rebellion charges stemming from the December 3 emergency martial law declaration. The decision was based on legal arguments that rebellion charges were difficult to apply given the president's role as commander-in-chief.

  10. South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol faces July 9 sentencing, received 7-year sentence in April

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a Supreme Court sentencing hearing on July 9, 2026, for his December 2024 emergency martial law declaration. He was also sentenced to seven years in prison on April 29, 2026, for obstruction of justice related to resisting arrest and bypassing a Cabinet meeting.

  11. Yoon Suk Yeol's appeal trial for drone incursions set for July 15

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's appeal trial for ordering drone incursions into North Korea is scheduled to begin on July 15, 2026. The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on July 9, 2026, for charges of obstructing justice.

June 2026 — 14 developments

  1. Kim Keon Hee, Wife of Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, Sentenced to Seven Years for Gifts

    Kim Keon Hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for accepting luxury gifts in exchange for political and business favors. Her husband faces charges related to an attempted martial law declaration.

  2. Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae appeals 25-year prison sentence in Yoon Suk Yeol martial law case

    Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae has appealed his 25-year prison sentence for his alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid. His legal team filed the appeal on Friday, June 27, 2026. Park was indicted on charges of playing a key role in an insurrection and abusing his power.

  3. Former Army Commander Booked as Suspect in South Korean Martial Law Insurrection Case

    Colonel Cho Seong-hyeon, a former commander, has been booked as a suspect in the insurrection case related to the December 3 emergency martial law declaration. He is accused of relaying orders to deploy troops to the National Assembly with the intent to detain lawmakers.

  4. Prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in appellate trial

    Prosecutors are again seeking the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in his appellate trial for leading an insurrection through a failed martial law bid. This request mirrors the sentencing recommendation from his first trial, where he received a life sentence. The appellate trial resumed after the Supreme Court rejected Yoon's request to recuse the judges.

  5. Seoul High Court Rejects Former President Yoon Suk-yeol's Constitutional Review Request

    The Seoul High Court dismissed former President Yoon Suk-yeol's request for a constitutional review of laws related to his insurrection charges. Yoon sought to have the relevant laws reviewed by the Constitutional Court, but the court denied this request, stating that specialized courts are necessary for such cases.

  6. Former South Korean Justice Minister Park Sung-jae sentenced to 25 years for martial law role

    Former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration. He was found guilty of insurrection and abuse of power. This conviction is part of a series against Yoon's cabinet members following his impeachment.

  7. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to 30 years for treason

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for general treason. The conviction stems from drone operations into North Korea, which the court found harmed national security for private gain. This ruling adds to his previous life sentence for insurrection.

  8. Ex-President Yoon claims martial law lawful; to be summoned June 13

    Former President Yoon Suk Yeol reportedly told investigators that he still believes martial law was lawful. The special counsel intends to summon Yoon again on June 13, 2026, as a suspect on a rebellion charge.

  9. South Korea dissolves Military Counterintelligence Command following martial law crisis

    South Korean authorities announced the dissolution of the Military Counterintelligence Command on June 10, 2026. This action is a consequence of the institutional crisis following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. The command played a central role in the crisis.

  10. Former South Korean President Yoon Questioned Over Martial Law Justification Messages

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared before a special counsel team on June 6, 2026, for questioning regarding charges of abuse of power and obstruction of rights related to messages he allegedly directed to allies to justify his failed imposition of martial law. This is the first time Yoon has been questioned by the special counsel team since its launch.

  11. South Korean special counsel appeals sentence in Yoon martial law case; Yoon faces new trials

    The special counsel is appealing the nine-year prison sentence of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min for his role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid. Yoon Suk Yeol faces new trials over his martial law declaration and was previously sentenced to life imprisonment.

  12. Kim Keon-hee sentenced to jail; South Korean local elections held

    Kim Keon-hee, wife of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been sentenced to 20 months in jail and arrested on charges including stock manipulation and bribery. Additionally, local elections held on June 3, 2026, saw the ruling Democratic Party win most races, while a special counsel confirmed Yoon began martial law preparations in late 2023.

  13. Ex-President Yoon Claims Election Commission Ignored North Korean Threats Amidst Local Elections

    Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently jailed and on trial for insurrection, claimed the National Election Commission ignored warnings about North Korean threats during recent local elections. These elections were the first nationwide vote since President Lee Jae Myung took office following Yoon's ouster.

  14. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Prepared Martial Law in 2023, Special Counsel Finds

    A special counsel determined former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol began martial law preparations as early as late 2023. This finding emerged after questioning former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Kim Myung-soo. The investigation also examined the alleged role of Cho Tae-yong, former head of the National Intelligence Service, in contacting U.S. intelligence agencies to justify the emergency decree.

May 2026 — 13 developments

  1. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol acquitted of perjury charges in South Korea

    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. Former NIS Deputy Chief Denies Role in Yoon's Martial Law Bid

    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. South Korea Justice Ministry Denies Preferential Treatment for Ex-President Yoon

    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.

  5. Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun Sentenced to 3 Years for Martial Law Phone Irregularities

    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. South Korean special counsel seeks warrants for former presidential aides over residence relocation

    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. South Korean Special Counsel Extends Investigation into Former President Yoon and Wife

    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 sentenced to prison for perjury

    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. Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol summoned for questioning by special counsel

    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. Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law appeal proceeds as court dismisses recusal bid

    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 South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun sentenced to 30 years in martial law case

    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. South Korea: Ex-PM Han Duck-soo sentenced to 15 years for martial law role

    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. Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection appeals trial halted over judge recusal request

    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 seek 30-year sentence for ex-President Yoon in drone case

    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. Special Counsel Demands Two-Year Sentence for Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in Perjury Case

    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. South Korean Generals Sue Defense Ministry Over 2024 Martial Law Bid Disciplinary Actions

    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 mark 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. Seoul appeals court begins hearing for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's obstruction of justice trial

    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. Appeals court begins hearing for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's obstruction of justice trial

    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 appeals life sentence for rebellion

    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 apologizes for martial law suffering

    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 Sentenced to Five Years for Obstructing Arrest

    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 Sentenced to Life for Insurrection

    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.

  5. Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min sentenced to 7 years for role in Yoon Suk Yeol martial law insurrection

    Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in the insurrection linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law declaration in December 2024. The court found Lee guilty of aiding the insurrection and perjury.

January 2026 — 5 developments

  3. Former South Korean PM Han Duck-soo sentenced to 23 years for martial law insurrection

    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.

December 2025 — 1 developments

  1. South Korean prosecutors seek 10-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol

    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. Constitutional Court Upholds Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, 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. Constitutional Court Reinstates Prime Minister Han Duck-soo After Impeachment

    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. Constitutional Court holds final hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial

    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 detained in martial law decree probe

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

December 2024 — 6 developments

  1. Opposition lawmakers impeach acting President Han Duck-soo; Choi Sang-mok becomes acting president

    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. Constitutional Court holds first internal meeting on President Yoon's impeachment trial

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

  3. National Assembly impeaches President Yoon, suspending his powers; PM Han becomes acting president

    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. Yoon impeachment vote fails in National Assembly due to party boycott

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

  5. Lawmakers vote to rescind President Yoon's martial law order

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

  6. President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law, citing 'anti-state forces' and 'legislative dictatorship'

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