Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of leading an insurrection linked to his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Jee Kui-youn at Seoul Central District Court and broadcast live across the country. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but the court imposed life imprisonment instead.
Court Findings
The court ruled that Yoon:
- Led an insurrection aimed at subverting the constitutional order.
- Took a leading role in planning the operation.
- Mobilized military forces to obstruct the National Assembly.
- Ordered the detention of key political figures, including current president Lee Jae Myung.
- Failed to show remorse and refused to attend court proceedings.
Judges concluded that Yoon intended to paralyze parliament and consolidate power through the use of armed forces.
Related Sentences
Several senior officials were also convicted:
- Kim Yong-hyun, former defense minister: 30 years in prison.
- Han Duck-soo, former prime minister: 23 years.
- Lee Sang-min, former interior minister: 7 years.
All defendants have one week to appeal.
Background
On December 3, 2024, Yoon declared South Korea’s first martial law in 44 years, accusing the opposition Democratic Party of anti-state activity and alleged ties to North Korea.
Troops were deployed to the National Assembly, where lawmakers gathered despite military presence and unanimously voted to overturn the order within three hours. Martial law was lifted roughly six hours after it was announced.
Yoon was impeached 11 days later and formally removed from office on April 4, 2025. In January, he had already received a separate five-year sentence for attempting to obstruct his arrest.
Yoon has maintained that his actions were constitutional and necessary to protect national sovereignty. The court rejected that argument, ruling the declaration an unlawful attempt to seize control of the state.
