SEOUL: South Korea’s special prosecutor requested a 10-year prison sentence for ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol on charges including attempted obstruction of his arrest following his failed bid to impose martial law.

Prosecutors have accused the ousted president of trying to block investigators seeking to arrest him in January by barricading himself inside the presidential compound.

“The defendant, who was supposed to safeguard the constitution and uphold the rule of law, abused his power and hurt the public,” a prosecutor said before making the sentencing request.

“He has not apologised or shown remorse to the public, but instead tried to shift blame to his aides,” the prosecutor added. The Seoul Central District Court will make a ruling on the case on January 16

Meanwhile, a special prosecutor investigating his wife over alleged bribery and stock manipulation, indicted Yoon for allegedly violating the election act.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2025