Life imprisonment has been imposed on former South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol after a court found him guilty of orchestrating an insurrection linked to his failed declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Prosecutors had pushed for capital punishment in the high-profile case, which unfolded amid sharp political divisions. The ruling marks the most significant development yet for the removed president, whose actions plunged the country into turmoil and strained its democratic institutions.
According to the three-judge panel led by Judge Jee Kui-youn, Yoon worked with his then defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, to undermine the constitutional system by deploying armed soldiers to the National Assembly in a bid to cripple its operations. The court held that sending troops to parliament and attempting arrests amounted to acts of rebellion.
The judges noted that the December 3 move led to major social and political consequences. Yoon, appearing in court in a navy suit, showed little expression as the verdict was delivered. Kim was handed a 30-year prison term, while other senior officials also received sentences.
Yoon’s legal team said they would consult him on a possible appeal, arguing that the judgment failed to properly weigh key evidence. Kim’s lawyer likewise indicated an appeal would be filed.
Under South Korean law, leading an insurrection is punishable by either life imprisonment or death. Although courts have issued death sentences in recent years, the country has not carried out an execution since 1997.
Yoon has consistently rejected the accusations, maintaining that he acted within his constitutional powers and intended to counter what he described as obstruction by opposition lawmakers. He is expected to remain at the Seoul Detention Centre while pursuing appeals, potentially up to the Supreme Court.
The brief imposition of martial law lasting roughly six hours before being overturned by parliament and met with widespread protests sent ripples across South Korea, a major Asian economy and key U.S. ally.
In a statement posted on X, current President Lee Jae Myung praised citizens for peacefully resisting the move, saying their actions demonstrated the strength of the Republic of Korea’s democracy.