South Korean Prosecutors Ask for 30 Years in Prison for Former President Yoon Suk Yeol

Apr 24, 2026, 08:16
A2

South Korean Prosecutors Ask for 30 Years in Prison for Former President Yoon Suk Yeol

Introduction

On April 24, 2025, special prosecutors in South Korea asked a judge to send former President Yoon Suk Yeol to prison for 30 years. They say he sent military drones over North Korea in October 2024.

Main Body

The prosecutors say Yoon ordered the drone flights. They say he wanted a reason to declare martial law on December 3, 2024. Martial law is when the army controls the country. The charges against Yoon are helping the enemy and using his power in a bad way. The prosecutors say the drone flights made the two Koreas very angry at each other. One drone crashed. Then secret military information came out. The prosecutors also asked for 25 years in prison for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. He helped plan the martial law. Yoon says he did not do these things. His lawyers say he did not start a fight with North Korea. Yoon is already in prison for life. A court found him guilty of leading a rebellion in February 2025. Both Yoon and the prosecutors are fighting that decision in a higher court. North Korea first said South Korea sent drones in October 2024. At first, South Korea said no. Later, it said it could not be sure. The martial law lasted only six hours. Then the lawmakers voted to stop it. Yoon lost his job in December 2024. The Constitutional Court removed him in April 2025. Police arrested him in July 2025. The new president is Lee Jae-myung. He won an early election in June 2025. He said sorry to North Korea for the drone flights. He wants to have better relations with North Korea. He will stop these actions.

Conclusion

The Seoul Central District Court will give its decision about the drone charges later. This is one of many court cases against Yoon. He is still in prison for the rebellion.

Vocabulary Learning

ask
To say you want something to happen.請求；要求
Example:The prosecutors ask the judge for 30 years in prison.
enemy
A person or country that fights against you.敵人
Example:Helping the enemy is a very bad thing.
prison
A place where people who do bad things must stay.監獄
Example:The judge can send him to prison.
send
To make something go from one place to another.發送；派遣
Example:They send drones over North Korea.
sorry
Feeling sad about something you did.抱歉的；對不起的
Example:The new president said sorry to North Korea.

Sentence Learning

On April 24, 2025, special prosecutors in South Korea asked a judge to send former President Yoon Suk Yeol to prison for 30 years.
This sentence has a subject (prosecutors), a verb (asked), and an object (judge). It tells us what the prosecutors wanted.本句包含主語（檢察官）、動詞（請求）以及受詞（法官）。它告訴我們檢察官想要什麼。
They say he wanted a reason to declare martial law on December 3, 2024.
This sentence uses the verb 'say' to report what someone thinks. 'He wanted' shows a past desire.本句使用動詞「說」來報告某人的想法。「他想要」表示過去的意願。
The charges against Yoon are helping the enemy and using his power in a bad way.
This sentence uses the verb 'are' to describe the charges. 'Helping' and 'using' are actions that explain the charges.本句使用動詞「是」來描述指控。「幫助」以及「使用」是解釋指控的行為。
The prosecutors say the drone flights made the two Koreas very angry at each other.
This sentence uses 'made' to show a cause and effect. The drone flights caused the two Koreas to feel angry.本句使用「使得」來表示因果關係。無人機飛行導致兩個韓國對彼此感到憤怒。
A court found him guilty of leading a rebellion in February 2025.
This sentence uses the verb 'found' to mean the court decided something. 'Guilty of' is a common phrase for a crime.本句使用動詞「裁定」來表示法院決定了某事。「犯有……罪」是描述犯罪的常見片語。
B2

South Korean Prosecutors Request 30-Year Sentence for Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Drone Incursion Charges

Introduction

On April 24, 2025, South Korean special prosecutors formally requested a 30-year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges related to ordering military drone flights over Pyongyang in October 2024. The request was made during the closing hearing of a trial at the Seoul Central District Court.

Main Body

The special counsel team, led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk, alleged that Yoon ordered the Drone Operations Command to send drones into North Korean airspace. They claimed this was done to create a reason for his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The charges against Yoon include benefiting the enemy and abuse of authority. Prosecutors argued that the operation increased military tensions between the two Koreas. Furthermore, after one drone crashed, it led to the exposure of classified military information related to operational capabilities. A 25-year prison term was also requested for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was indicted on similar charges for his role in planning and carrying out the martial law declaration. Yoon has denied the accusations. His lawyers stated that he did not take any action that could cause a military clash with North Korea. The former president is already serving a life sentence imposed in February 2025 after being found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to the martial law decree. Both Yoon and prosecutors have appealed that verdict. The drone incursions were first alleged by North Korea in October 2024. Seoul initially denied the claims before stating it could not confirm them. The martial law declaration lasted approximately six hours before being overturned by a legislative vote. Yoon was subsequently impeached in December 2024, removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025, and arrested in July 2025. Current President Lee Jae-myung, who succeeded Yoon after winning an early election in June 2025, has expressed regret to North Korea over the drone operations. He has also indicated a willingness to improve bilateral relations by stopping such provocations.

Conclusion

The Seoul Central District Court is expected to deliver a verdict on the drone-related charges at a later date. This case is one of several criminal proceedings against Yoon, who remains in prison following his life sentence for insurrection.

Vocabulary Learning

abuse of authority
The misuse of power or position for an improper purpose.濫用權力或職位以達到不正當目的。
Example:The former president was charged with abuse of authority for ordering the drone flights.
bilateral relations
Political, economic, or cultural connections between two countries.兩國之間的政治、經濟或文化聯繫。
Example:The new president expressed a willingness to improve bilateral relations with North Korea.
incursion
A sudden, brief invasion or entry into a territory, often involving military force.突然的、短暫的入侵或進入某個領土，通常涉及軍事力量。
Example:The drone incursion into North Korean airspace was a key point in the trial.
indict
To formally accuse someone of a serious crime, especially in a court of law.正式指控某人犯有嚴重罪行，尤其是在法庭上。
Example:The former defense minister was indicted on similar charges for his role in the plan.
martial law
Temporary rule by military authorities over a civilian population, usually during an emergency.在緊急情況下，由軍事當局對平民實施的臨時統治。
Example:The president's declaration of martial law lasted only six hours before being overturned.

Sentence Learning

The special counsel team, led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk, alleged that Yoon ordered the Drone Operations Command to send drones into North Korean airspace.
This sentence uses a reduced relative clause ('led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk') to add information about the team without starting a new sentence. The structure 'alleged that' introduces a reported claim, which is common in formal reporting. This sentence uses a reduced relative clause ('led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk') to add information about the team without starting a new sentence. The structure 'alleged that' introduces a reported claim, which is common in formal reporting.呢句句子用咗一個簡化嘅關係子句（'led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk'）嚟補充有關團隊嘅資訊，而唔使另開一句新句子。結構 'alleged that' 引入一個匯報嘅指控，呢種寫法喺正式報導中好常見。
A 25-year prison term was also requested for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was indicted on similar charges for his role in planning and carrying out the martial law declaration.
This sentence uses the passive voice ('was also requested') to focus on the action (the request) rather than who made it. The relative clause ('who was indicted...') provides additional details about Kim Yong-hyun, making the sentence more informative and cohesive. This sentence uses the passive voice ('was also requested') to focus on the action (the request) rather than who made it. The relative clause ('who was indicted...') provides additional details about Kim Yong-hyun, making the sentence more informative and cohesive.呢句句子用咗被動語態（'was also requested'）嚟強調個動作（請求本身），而唔係邊個作出請求。關係子句（'who was indicted...'）提供咗有關金容顯嘅額外細節，令句子更豐富同連貫。
The former president is already serving a life sentence imposed in February 2025 after being found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to the martial law decree.
This sentence uses a past participle phrase ('imposed in February 2025') to describe the sentence, and a passive structure ('after being found guilty') to show the sequence of events. The linking word 'after' clearly indicates time order, helping organize the timeline of events. This sentence uses a past participle phrase ('imposed in February 2025') to describe the sentence, and a passive structure ('after being found guilty') to show the sequence of events. The linking word 'after' clearly indicates time order, helping organize the timeline of events.呢句句子用咗一個過去分詞短語（'imposed in February 2025'）嚟形容個判決，同埋一個被動結構（'after being found guilty'）嚟顯示事件嘅先後次序。連接詞 'after' 清楚表示時間順序，有助組織事件嘅時序。
Current President Lee Jae-myung, who succeeded Yoon after winning an early election in June 2025, has expressed regret to North Korea over the drone operations.
This sentence uses a non-defining relative clause ('who succeeded Yoon...') to add extra information about President Lee. This structure allows the writer to include background details without interrupting the main idea. The main clause 'has expressed regret' uses the present perfect tense to connect a past action to the present situation. This sentence uses a non-defining relative clause ('who succeeded Yoon...') to add extra information about President Lee. This structure allows the writer to include background details without interrupting the main idea. The main clause 'has expressed regret' uses the present perfect tense to connect a past action to the present situation.呢句句子用咗一個非限定性關係子句（'who succeeded Yoon...'）嚟補充有關李在明總統嘅額外資訊。呢個結構容許作者加入背景細節，而唔會打斷主要意思。主要子句 'has expressed regret' 用咗現在完成式，將過去嘅行動同而家嘅情況連繫起嚟。
He has also indicated a willingness to improve bilateral relations by stopping such provocations.
This sentence uses the preposition 'by' plus a gerund ('stopping') to show the method or means of achieving an action. This structure clearly explains how the president plans to improve relations. The phrase 'a willingness to improve' uses an infinitive to express intention, making the sentence logical and easy to follow. This sentence uses the preposition 'by' plus a gerund ('stopping') to show the method or means of achieving an action. This structure clearly explains how the president plans to improve relations. The phrase 'a willingness to improve' uses an infinitive to express intention, making the sentence logical and easy to follow.呢句句子用咗介詞 'by' 加上動名詞（'stopping'）嚟表示達成某個行動嘅方法或手段。呢個結構清楚解釋咗總統打算點樣改善關係。短語 'a willingness to improve' 用咗不定詞嚟表達意圖，令句子合邏輯同容易理解。
C2

South Korean Prosecutors Request 30-Year Sentence for Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Drone Incursion Charges

Introduction

On April 24, 2025, South Korean special prosecutors formally requested a 30-year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges related to ordering military drone flights over Pyongyang in October 2024. The request was made during the closing hearing of a trial at the Seoul Central District Court.

Main Body

The special counsel team, led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk, alleged that Yoon ordered the Drone Operations Command to send drones into North Korean airspace to create a pretext for his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The charges against Yoon include benefiting the enemy and abuse of authority. Prosecutors argued that the operation heightened military tensions between the two Koreas and, after one drone crashed, resulted in the exposure of classified military information related to operational capabilities. A 25-year prison term was also sought for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was indicted on similar charges for his role in planning and executing the martial law declaration. Yoon has denied the accusations; his lawyers stated he did not take any action that could trigger a military clash with North Korea. The former president is already serving a life sentence imposed in February 2025 after being found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to the martial law decree, a verdict that both Yoon and prosecutors have appealed. The drone incursions were first alleged by North Korea in October 2024, with Seoul initially denying the claims before stating it could not confirm them. The martial law declaration lasted approximately six hours before being overturned by a legislative vote. Yoon was subsequently impeached in December 2024, removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025, and arrested in July 2025. Current President Lee Jae-myung, who succeeded Yoon after winning an early election in June 2025, has expressed regret to North Korea over the drone operations and has indicated a willingness to mend bilateral ties by ceasing such provocations.

Conclusion

The Seoul Central District Court is expected to deliver a verdict on the drone-related charges at a later date. The case is one of multiple criminal proceedings against Yoon, who remains incarcerated following his life sentence for insurrection.

Vocabulary Learning

bilateral ties
Relationships or connections between two countries or parties, especially in diplomacy.雙邊關係
Example:The current president has expressed regret over the drone operations and a desire to mend bilateral ties with North Korea.
indicted
Formally charged with a serious crime, typically by a grand jury or prosecutor.被起訴；被控告
Example:Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was indicted on similar charges for his role in planning the martial law declaration.
insurrection
A violent uprising or act of rebellion against an established authority or government.叛亂；暴動
Example:Yoon is already serving a life sentence for leading an insurrection linked to the martial law decree.
pretext
A false or contrived reason used to conceal the real purpose of an action.藉口；託詞
Example:The special counsel alleged that Yoon ordered the drone flights to create a pretext for his declaration of martial law.
provocations
Actions or statements intended to provoke anger, conflict, or a hostile response.挑釁行為；刺激行動
Example:President Lee Jae-myung indicated a willingness to mend bilateral ties by ceasing such provocations.

Sentence Learning

The special counsel team, led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk, alleged that Yoon ordered the Drone Operations Command to send drones into North Korean airspace to create a pretext for his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024.
This sentence features a reduced relative clause ('led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk') modifying the subject, and a complex noun phrase ('to create a pretext for his declaration of martial law') functioning as an infinitive clause of purpose. The reported speech structure ('alleged that...') introduces a subordinate clause with multiple embedded elements. Structural Analysis in English句法分析：本句包含一個簡化關係從句（'led by prosecutor Cho Eun-suk'）修飾主語，以及一個用作目的狀語的不定式短語（'to create a pretext for his declaration of martial law'）。主要結構為「主語 + 謂語 + 賓語從句」，其中賓語從句內嵌了命令結構和目的狀語。
Prosecutors argued that the operation heightened military tensions between the two Koreas and, after one drone crashed, resulted in the exposure of classified military information related to operational capabilities.
This sentence demonstrates parallel verb phrases ('heightened... and... resulted in') within a subordinate clause, with a parenthetical time adverbial ('after one drone crashed') inserted for narrative precision. The noun phrase 'the exposure of classified military information related to operational capabilities' exhibits high lexical density through post-modification. Structural Analysis in English句法分析：本句在賓語從句中使用了並列謂語結構（'heightened... and... resulted in'），並插入時間狀語從句（'after one drone crashed'）作為修飾。名詞短語 'the exposure of classified military information related to operational capabilities' 通過後置修飾展現了高度詞彙密度。
The former president is already serving a life sentence imposed in February 2025 after being found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to the martial law decree, a verdict that both Yoon and prosecutors have appealed.
This sentence contains a reduced relative clause ('imposed in February 2025') and a gerund-participial clause ('after being found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to the martial law decree') that itself embeds a past-participle modifier ('linked to...'). The sentence ends with an appositive noun phrase ('a verdict that...') containing a relative clause, adding evaluative commentary. Structural Analysis in English句法分析：本句包含簡化關係從句（'imposed in February 2025'）和一個動名詞分詞從句（'after being found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to the martial law decree'），其中再嵌入過去分詞修飾語。句末的同位語名詞短語（'a verdict that...'）帶有關係從句，增添了評價性信息。
The drone incursions were first alleged by North Korea in October 2024, with Seoul initially denying the claims before stating it could not confirm them.
This sentence uses a passive voice main clause followed by an absolute construction ('with Seoul initially denying the claims before stating...') that contains a gerund phrase ('denying the claims') and a second gerund phrase ('stating it could not confirm them') with an embedded noun clause. This structure creates a compact, formal tone typical of legal reporting. Structural Analysis in English句法分析：本句主句為被動語態，後接獨立主格結構（'with Seoul initially denying the claims before stating...'），其中包含兩個動名詞短語（'denying the claims' 和 'stating it could not confirm them'），第二個動名詞短語內嵌賓語從句。這種結構營造了法律報導特有的簡潔正式語調。
Current President Lee Jae-myung, who succeeded Yoon after winning an early election in June 2025, has expressed regret to North Korea over the drone operations and has indicated a willingness to mend bilateral ties by ceasing such provocations.
This sentence features a non-restrictive relative clause ('who succeeded Yoon after winning an early election in June 2025') providing background information, and a compound predicate ('has expressed... and has indicated...') with parallel perfective aspect. The infinitive phrase 'to mend bilateral ties by ceasing such provocations' functions as a complement of 'willingness', with a prepositional phrase of means ('by ceasing...') adding nuance. Structural Analysis in English句法分析：本句包含非限制性關係從句（'who succeeded Yoon after winning an early election in June 2025'）提供背景信息，以及並列謂語（'has expressed... and has indicated...'）使用平行完成時態。不定式短語 'to mend bilateral ties by ceasing such provocations' 作 'willingness' 的補足語，其中的方式狀語短語（'by ceasing...'）增添了語義細微差別。