Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted on Friday, June 12, 2026, of ordering military drones to fly over North Korea in an attempt to escalate tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula and manufacture a pretext for declaring martial law. The verdict was delivered by the Seoul Central District Court.
According to court documents, Yoon authorized drone flights over North Korean territory in early 2025, which violated the armistice agreement and heightened military tensions. Prosecutors argued that Yoon aimed to create a crisis that would allow him to impose martial law and consolidate power.
The court found Yoon guilty of abuse of power and violation of the National Security Act. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Yoon's legal team announced plans to appeal the decision.
This case marks a significant moment in South Korean political history, as it involves a former president being convicted for actions that threatened national security and regional stability. The verdict has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters of Yoon claiming political persecution and opponents praising the rule of law.
