South Korea’s ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial law

On Monday, five former senior South Korean military officers were sentenced to up to 18 years in prison for their roles in the country's brief martial law declaration in December 2024. The former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, declared martial law in an attempt to prevent MPs from voting down his move. He also sent special forces, helicopters, and armed soldiers to the country's election commission in an unsuccessful bid to find evidence of voter fraud.

Former Defence Counterintelligence Command chief Yeo In-hyung was sentenced to 18 years, while Lee Jin-woo, the former head of the Capital Defence Command, received 15 years. Park An-su, the martial law commander-designate, was given 10 years, and Moon Sang-ho, the former head of the Defence Intelligence Command who tried to seize control of the National Election Commission, was sentenced to 12 years.

Kwak Jong-keun, the former chief of the Army Special Warfare Command, was given a nine-year sentence. All accused officers denied the charges and claimed they were wrongly accused. Kwak expressed deep regret for sending his subordinates to the National Assembly and National Election Commission during martial law. The prosecution's indictment report stated that Yoon had ordered military forces to shoot if necessary to enter the National Assembly and demanded that military personnel drag out politicians if needed. Yoon was sentenced to life in prison for insurrection and is currently appealing his sentence.