South Korea Martial Law Insurrection: Yoon Sentenced to Life

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for leading an insurrection linked to his declaration of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon personally directed the failed attempt to seize control of the government. Prosecutors argued that his actions seriously threatened the country’s democracy.

Yoon denied all charges throughout the trial and plans to appeal the verdict. Prosecutors had requested the death penalty, although South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.

Senior Officials Also Sentenced

The court also punished several former officials who helped enforce the martial law order. Former Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun received a 30-year prison sentence for his role in deploying the military. Former Prime Minister Han Duck Soo was sentenced to 23 years for trying to legitimize the decree and for falsifying official records. Han has already filed an appeal.

The court allowed broadcasters to air the sentencing live, marking the second time Yoon’s legal proceedings appeared on television.

Protests and Political Aftermath

The verdict ends months of political unrest that followed Yoon’s declaration of martial law. Lawmakers impeached and removed him from office after nationwide protests. Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest and one of the few to stand trial for insurrection.

Supporters gathered outside the court and protested the ruling. Observers expect the legal battle to continue as Yoon appeals his sentence.