Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 30 years in prison on June 12, 2026, for his involvement in a drone operation aimed at justifying the declaration of martial law.
The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 36, led by Judge Lee Jeong-yeop, found Yoon guilty of general treason and abuse of authority. Kim Yong-hyun, former Minister of National Defense, also received a 30-year sentence. Former Army Intelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung was sentenced to 15 years, while former Drone Operations Commander Kim Yong-dae received a three-year sentence with a five-year probation.
The court ruled that Yoon and Kim were guilty of general treason under criminal law, while Yeo faced charges under military law. All three were found guilty of abuse of authority.
Yoon, Kim, and Yeo were accused of using psychological operations to provoke military provocations from North Korea by directing the infiltration of drones into Pyongyang around October 2024 to secure justification for declaring martial law.
General treason charges can be applied regardless of collusion with the enemy if actions harm South Korea's military interests or provide military advantages to hostile nations.
The court stated, "Yoon Suk Yeol approved the execution of this operation from the beginning to create a martial law situation, and Yeo In-hyung participated in the planning of martial law, discussing the timing and conditions for declaring martial law with Kim Yong-hyun, ensuring the operation continued secretly."
It added, "The orders for the operation were aimed at creating a martial law situation, which contradicts the mission of the military as defined by the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. Soldiers are not obligated to obey such orders," emphasizing that Yoon and Kim abused their authority over military personnel, while Yeo facilitated their actions, leading military personnel to perform duties they were not obligated to undertake.
Kim and Yeo were also charged with conspiracy to conceal the drone operation, manipulating the narrative to claim that lost military assets were due to training accidents, and instructing military personnel to follow these directives, among other charges.
Yeo was accused of leaking military secrets regarding combat experiments to Kim Yong-hyun, who was then the head of the Presidential Security Service, and for instructing the destruction of related military materials to cover up the drone operation.
The Special Investigation Team for Insurrection, led by Special Prosecutor Jo Eun-seok, had previously sought sentences of 30 years for Yoon, 25 years for Kim, 20 years for Yeo, and five years for Kim Yong-dae.
The court noted, "The crime of treason can lead to significant loss of life or even the collapse of the state, making it crucial to prevent such violations before they occur."
It highlighted that the execution of this operation resulted in unnecessary military resource depletion, increased risks to the safety of citizens and military personnel due to potential military conflict, and the leakage of military secrets, thereby compromising South Korea's military interests.
The court emphasized, "Using military operations for personal gain betrays the public's fundamental trust that the President and Minister of Defense will only use military power for legitimate purposes related to national security and territorial defense," adding that trust in the legality and legitimacy of military orders has been severely undermined.
Regarding Yoon, the court stated, "The defendant believed he could use military command and martial law declaration powers, which should protect the nation's existence and safety, for his political gain, approving operations to create a martial law situation while blaming those who were unaware of the operation, including the National Security Office Director."
The court imposed a heavier sentence on Kim than the prosecution's request, citing his active role in planning and directing the drone operation.
It criticized, "From the moment he took office as Minister of National Defense, the defendant directed operations to provoke North Korean provocations, preparing for martial law declaration through information officers, and if the Joint Chiefs of Staff had not acted passively or opposed his orders, the operation could have escalated, potentially leading to military conflict with North Korea."
In terms of sentencing for Yeo, the court noted, "As military personnel from the Army Intelligence Command were dispatched to gather intelligence and monitor military movements, the defendant's involvement was crucial in preventing the operation from becoming public. However, considering his level of involvement, it appears he passively participated in Yoon and Kim's orders."
As for Kim Yong-dae, the court acknowledged that while he committed acts to conceal the operation, he likely did not understand it was aimed at creating a martial law situation. It noted that although he leaked information about combat experiments, his level of responsibility was not severe given his military background and position at the time.
The trial was conducted behind closed doors due to military secrets, and the court did not allow live broadcasting of the sentencing hearing.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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