SEOUL — A court in South Korea has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison in a case involving alleged military drone operations over North Korea’s capital, according to court proceedings reported on Friday.
The ruling was issued by the country’s Supreme Court, according to officials cited in local reports.
The court described the decision as a major judgment involving national security allegations.
It said the case was linked to an order allegedly given in October 2024.
Prosecutors argued that Yoon authorized the deployment of military drones.
The drones were allegedly instructed to fly over Pyongyang.
The court said the operation was linked to heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
It further claimed the action risked escalating hostilities with North Korea.
Judges said the intent of the alleged operation was under scrutiny during the trial.
They said evidence suggested the move was politically and militarily sensitive.
The court concluded that Yoon bore responsibility for authorizing the operation.
It ruled that the actions constituted a serious breach of authority, according to the judgment summary.
The sentencing of 30 years was described as one of the most severe penalties in recent political history in South Korea.
Legal analysts in Seoul said the ruling would likely trigger political debate across the country.
Supporters of Yoon have previously rejected allegations against him.
Opposition figures, however, have called for accountability in national security matters.
The case has intensified political tensions within South Korea’s leadership circles.
Authorities have not yet commented on whether the former president will appeal the ruling.
The ruling comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving North and South Korea.
Further legal and political developments are expected in the coming days.
