South Korea: Former President Yoon's sentence for obstructing justice increased to 7 years in prison on appeal

The sentence of former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol was increased by the High Court in Seoul to seven years in prison for obstructing justice, compared to the initial five-year sentence. The court found that he had prevented investigators from gathering evidence after the temporary imposition of martial law in December 2024 and that he had drafted and destroyed a false decree, although he was acquitted of some charges.

Prosecutors argued that the former leader used his position to undermine constitutional order and highlighted his lack of remorse, as he did not acknowledge his guilt. In a separate case, Yoon was sentenced to life in prison for leading an insurrection following the declaration of martial law.