South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to life in prison for leading a December 2024 insurrection and declaring short-lived martial law, marking a historic first in the country’s politics.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of masterminding an insurrection during his six-hour declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon said, “The declaration of martial law resulted in enormous social costs, and it is difficult to find any indication that the defendant has expressed remorse for that.” The ruling concluded that Yoon aimed to paralyse the National Assembly.
The court rejected claims that Yoon intended a long-term dictatorship but affirmed his leadership role in the insurrection. Yoon, 65, maintained his innocence, asserting presidential authority to impose martial law. A heavy security presence surrounded the court amid concerns over unrest.
Following the verdict, Yoon’s lawyers criticized the ruling as a “pre-written script” and indicated they would discuss whether to appeal.