South Korea’s ex-President Yoon gets 30 years over drone operation

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to 30 years in prison by a Seoul court on October 26, 2024, for authorizing the deployment of military drones into North Korean airspace. The court found Yoon guilty of violating national security laws and exceeding presidential authority during the operation, which occurred on August 15, 2024. This unprecedented ruling marks the first time a former South Korean president has been convicted and sentenced for actions taken while in office. The prosecution argued that the drone mission, intended to monitor North Korean military activities, was poorly planned and executed, leading to a diplomatic incident. Yoon's defense team stated they would appeal the verdict, asserting the operation was a necessary measure for national defense. The sentencing has sent shockwaves through South Korean politics, raising questions about presidential accountability and the limits of executive power.