South Korean Court Sentences Former President Yoon Suk Yeol to Life Imprisonment

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison by the Seoul Central District Court for insurrection over his 2024 declaration of martial law. The court ruled he attempted to paralyze the National Assembly and unlawfully seize power. Yoon denies wrongdoing and can appeal the verdict.

The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday convicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol of insurrection and violating the constitution over his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Judges ruled that Yoon’s move was intended to paralyze the National Assembly and unlawfully consolidate power. The 65-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment, despite prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Presiding judge Jee Gwi-yeon said Yoon deliberately mobilized security forces in an illegal attempt to seize control, detain lawmakers and undermine the liberal-led legislature. The court said the martial law declaration caused enormous social damage and noted a lack of remorse.
Yoon, who denied wrongdoing and claimed he acted to “safeguard freedom,” can appeal the ruling. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the courthouse demanding the charges be dropped. Although prosecutors sought capital punishment, South Korea has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997.
Yoon had previously been convicted and sentenced on separate charges including fabricating official documents and destroying evidence. The court also handed former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun a 30-year prison term for his role in the attempted power grab.
Born in Seoul in 1960, Yoon built his career as a prosecutor known for anti-corruption efforts. He played a major role in the 2016 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye and later indicted an aide to her successor, Moon Jae-in.
Running as the conservative People Power Party candidate, Yoon narrowly won the 2022 presidential election. His presidency was marked by controversy, including criticism over his handling of the 2022 Halloween crowd crush that killed more than 150 people, use of presidential veto powers, and economic challenges. His attempt to seize expanded powers revived painful memories of South Korea’s history of military coups between 1960 and 1980.