Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's Sentence Increased to Seven Years

Seoul. Legal action against former President Yoon Suk-yeol in South Korea has become stricter. The high court has increased the previously given five-year jail sentence to seven years on charges of obstructing the justice process. This indicates a deepening legal crisis for him.

In its ruling on Wednesday, the Seoul High Court increased the sentence, deeming Yoon's actions 'highly reprehensible'. According to the court's judges, Yoon not only attempted to obstruct the execution of arrest warrants but also sought to use state security personnel for private purposes.

Previously, in January, the lower court had sentenced him to five years after proving he tried to prevent his own arrest by using members of the Presidential Security Agency. Both Yoon and the prosecution appealed that decision. Yoon claimed that his arrest warrant was based on an 'illegal investigation', while special prosecutors demanded a sentence of at least 10 years, considering the severity of his crime.

However, after hearing arguments from both sides, the high court increased the sentence to seven years. In its verdict, the court stated that misusing public office and attempting to use state mechanisms for personal security is a serious act against the rule of law.

Yoon, who appeared in court wearing a black suit and white shirt, reportedly showed no particular reaction during the sentencing. Yoon Suk-yeol is already serving a sentence in another serious case.

He was previously sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of leading a rebellion linked to an unsuccessful attempt to implement martial law towards the end of 2024. This new verdict appears to have further complicated his political and legal future.