Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was handed a life imprisonment sentence on Thursday, February 19, after being found guilty of imposing martial law during a brief but dramatic political crisis in late 2024.
The ruling was delivered by Judge Ji Goo-yeon at the Seoul Central District Court, who stated that Yoon was convicted of leading a rebellion against the constitutional order. While prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty, the court ultimately chose a life sentence, marking one of the most severe punishments ever imposed on a former national leader in the country.
The charges stem from an unexpected televised address on December 3, 2024, in which Yoon announced martial law and instructed military forces to move toward the National Assembly. Armed troops quickly surrounded the parliamentary complex, creating a tense and unprecedented standoff. Despite the heavy military presence, a sufficient number of lawmakers managed to enter the chamber and swiftly passed a resolution rejecting the president’s actions.
Facing mounting legal and political pressure, Yoon was forced to withdraw the order within hours. Although the civilian government was effectively disrupted for only about six hours, the incident triggered a prolonged political crisis that deeply polarized the nation and shook public trust in democratic institutions.
Analysts widely regard the ruling as a historic moment for South Korea’s democracy, underscoring the judiciary’s willingness to hold even the highest officeholders accountable for actions deemed unconstitutional.
