Former South Korean President Yoon Sentenced to Life Over Failed Martial Law Grab

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment. The Seoul Central District Court found him guilty of leading an insurrection. The ruling marks a historic moment in South Korea’s democratic history. It ends a political crisis that shocked the nation.

The court ruled that Yoon’s actions on December 3, 2024, were deliberate. He declared martial law late at night, citing alleged anti-state forces in the opposition. Within hours, troops were deployed to the National Assembly. Yoon also ordered the arrest of political opponents. Lawmakers and citizens rushed to block the troops. A chaotic six-hour standoff followed, widely broadcast on live television.

Prosecutors had sought the death penalty. They argued the crime was severe enough to warrant it. However, South Korea has not carried out executions since 1997. Life imprisonment is the most consequential sentence in practice. Former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to 30 years for orchestrating military involvement. Other senior officials received terms ranging from three to 18 years.

Judge Ji Gwi-yeon said Yoon’s intent was to paralyse parliament and neutralise political opposition. “The declaration of martial law caused enormous social costs, and the defendant shows no clear remorse. We sentence Yoon to life imprisonment,” the judge said. The court emphasized that Yoon’s move was far from symbolic—it aimed to consolidate power and undermine the constitutional order.

Yoon’s legal team has vowed to appeal, claiming procedural flaws and inconsistencies. Yoon himself maintains his actions were legal and aimed at alerting the public to a governance crisis. His sudden fall from power stunned the nation. Once a popular prosecutor known for anti-corruption cases, he became president in 2022 by a narrow margin. His administration faced political gridlock, economic challenges, and scandals. The martial law declaration proved to be his undoing, leading to impeachment and removal from office.

This verdict is the first insurrection conviction of a South Korean leader in nearly 30 years. Observers note parallels with the 1996 conviction of former military ruler Chun Doo-hwan. It serves as a stern warning against power grabs and reinforces the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions.