South Korea ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol given 30 more years over drone operation into North
The Seoul High Court found former President Yoon Suk-yeol guilty of ordering drones to be sent into North Korea in late 2024. According to BBC, the 30-year additional sentence is added on top of the conviction for the attempted self-coup. With limited appeal options, Yoon's combined sentence effectively approaches life in prison.
BBC reported that Seoul High Court Chief Justice Kim Jeong-hwan, reading out the judgment on Friday, said "the limits of presidential authority were clearly exceeded". Prosecutors argued that Yoon directly ordered the sending of reconnaissance drones to North Korea in December 2024 and that the operation went ahead without national security committee approval. Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun received an additional 25 years for the same operation.
BBC said Yoon's lawyer Yun Gap-keun argued the order had been issued "within presidential authority" and that they would appeal. The party of current President Lee Jae-myung said it respected the ruling, while the main opposition People Power Party described it as a "political decision". Pyongyang's state agency KCNA called the verdict an "acceptable step".
The KOSPI index slipped 0.3 per cent in the afternoon session following the news, with Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor showing modest declines. The won eased 0.2 per cent against the dollar to 1,376. Standard Chartered said political uncertainty in the Korea premium could ease. Not investment advice.
Read next
Israel launches overnight strikes across Gaza, civilian casualties reported
Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli military said it had hit Hamas "command facilities" in north and south Gaza, including around Khan Younis and Rafah, in overnight strikes on Thursday. The Health Ministry said at least 27 people had been killed. UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag said civilian damage had been observed and that humanitarian access had been disrupted again.
Iran weighs proposed framework but remains wary of US intentions
Australian federal government confirms more than A$650m of contracts with embattled KPMG
Australia's proposed NDIS cuts could push 240,000 participants off the scheme, inquiry told
East Timor president says massive Greater Sunrise gas project is close to a deal
