South Korean prosecutors have sought a 10-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on obstruction of justice charges, the first sentencing request in multiple cases against him.

South Korea’s Prosecutors Office requested a 10-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, charging him with obstruction of justice during his failed attempt to impose martial law in the country in December 2024. This marks the first sentencing request for Yoon among the four legal proceedings he faces.

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The prosecution team made the request during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, arguing that Yoon committed a “serious crime” by “privatizing state institutions” to conceal and justify his unlawful actions.

South Korean media reported that the court is expected to deliver its verdict on January 16, two days before the former leader’s pretrial detention is set to expire.

The obstruction of justice charge stems from Yoon’s attempt to avoid arrest last January following the incident, among other matters.

On the other hand, the insurrection case—the most serious charge against the former South Korean president—will not be decided until February at the earliest.

Yoon Suk Yeol continues to defend his declaration of martial law. If found guilty of insurrection, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

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