South Korean courts have imposed multiple lengthy sentences on former President Yoon Suk-yeol, including life imprisonment for insurrection tied to his December 2024 martial law declaration, a 30-year term in a related case, and confirmed multi-year terms for obstruction and abuse of power. As of November 2026, Yoon remains in detention amid active appeals where prosecutors continue seeking the death penalty, with final arguments scheduled shortly and no verdict date set. The appeals process for such charges typically extends over many months or years, and South Korea’s legal framework imposes high barriers to early release or bail for convicted former leaders facing these offenses. Traders’ 97% consensus on continued custody through 2026 reflects these accumulated convictions and procedural timelines. Potential shifts could arise from a successful appeal substantially reducing the sentences, a presidential pardon, or documented health-based release, though each faces significant institutional and political hurdles.