South Korean court sentences five former commanders over 2024 martial law
Five former South Korean military officers received prison sentences of up to 18 years for roles in the short-lived 2024 martial law declaration. The reported terms range from 10 to 18 years.
By DoomRadar · Published on DoomRadar . Updated .
The story at a glanceReported details
What happened
A court sentenced former Defence Counterintelligence Command chief Yeo In-hyung to 18 years in prison and former Capital Defence Command chief Lee Jin-woo to 15 years. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- South Korea's ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawfreemalaysiatoday.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 11:01 AM UTC
- Republic of Korea ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawthepeninsulaqatar.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 1:16 PM UTC
Former Army chief of staff Park An-su received 10 years, while former Defence Intelligence Command chief Moon Sang-ho received 12 years. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- South Korea's ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawfreemalaysiatoday.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 11:01 AM UTC
- Republic of Korea ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawthepeninsulaqatar.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 1:16 PM UTC
The five officers were sentenced for their roles in the 2024 martial law declaration, during which special forces and helicopters were ordered to parliament, according to the reports. [1][2][3]
References for this detail (3)
- South Korea's ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawfreemalaysiatoday.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 11:01 AM UTC
- Republic of Korea ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawthepeninsulaqatar.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 1:16 PM UTC
- Ex-military commanders get severe prison terms for martial law roleskoreatimes.co.kr · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 12:46 PM UTC
The reported court account says Moon Sang-ho attempted to seize control of the National Election Commission. [1][2]
References for this detail (2)
- South Korea's ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawfreemalaysiatoday.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 11:01 AM UTC
- Republic of Korea ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawthepeninsulaqatar.com · Recorded source date: Sep 21, 2026, 1:16 PM UTC
Context from the sources
The reports say then-President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in December 2024, but lawmakers voted down the move. [1][2]
Explore the sources and reporting timeline
3 source links · 3 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Source timeline
Oldest to newest among the available source dates, not a chronology of the incident. Article publication dates come from the source; other recorded dates may reflect when a link was found.
- [1] South Korea's ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawfreemalaysiatoday.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3, detail 4
- [3] Ex-military commanders get severe prison terms for martial law roleskoreatimes.co.krReferenced for: detail 3
- [2] Republic of Korea ex-commanders jailed up to 18 years over martial lawthepeninsulaqatar.comReferenced for: detail 1, detail 2, detail 3, detail 4
What this could mean for you
The sentences close a major criminal-justice stage for the officers involved, while the precedent may remain relevant to public confidence in civilian control of the military.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
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Still unclear
The material does not state whether the sentences can be appealed or when they take effect.
It does not describe any immediate security measures or public response following the judgments.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (3)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
Five former officers were sentenced to up to 18 years for their roles in the 2024 martial law declaration. Ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
A person walks down the entrance of a metro station in Seoul on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) Seoul: Five former…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
Available excerpt
From left, Yeo In-hyung, former commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command; Lee Jin-woo, former chief of the Capital Defense Command; Kwak Jong-keun, former commander of…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
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