South Korean prosecutors seek 30-year sentence for Yoon in drone case

Seoul— South Korean prosecutors on Friday sought a 30-year prison sentence for former president Yoon Suk Yeol over allegations he ordered a drone operation over Pyongyang to justify his December 2024 declaration of martial law, Yonhap news agency reported.

The case, being heard at the Seoul Central District Court, is part of a series of legal proceedings against Yoon following his removal from office last year after a brief imposition of martial law that triggered political turmoil in the country.

Prosecutors allege the drone operation heightened military tensions with North Korea and risked exposing sensitive information about South Korea’s military capabilities after one of the drones crashed.

The charges include benefiting the enemy, a provision that can apply even without direct coordination if national security interests are harmed.

Yoon has denied the allegations, with his legal team stating he did not take any action that could provoke a military confrontation with North Korea.

The trial is one of eight cases currently involving Yoon, reflecting the legal fallout from his presidency and the controversial martial law declaration. The court is expected to issue a ruling at a later date.