Former South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol 윤석열 was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday after being convicted of leading an insurrection when he declared martial law in 2024.
The ruling followed months of investigation and multiple trials. Judges concluded that his actions constituted an illegal attempt to subvert the constitutional order.
The court found Yoon guilty of mobilizing military and police forces to surround the National Assembly and suppress its functions. Lawmakers ultimately forced their way into the chamber and voted down the decree within hours.
Although no major violence occurred, the court ruled that the move threatened South Korea’s democratic system. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but the court imposed life imprisonment instead.
Yoon had argued that he declared martial law to counter what he described as obstruction by the opposition-controlled legislature. However, the judge rejected that defense and said Yoon abused his presidential authority.
He was impeached days after the December 2024 decree and formally removed from office in April 2025. He has remained in custody while facing several criminal cases.
The verdict also carries consequences for other senior officials. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year prison sentence for his role in enforcing the decree.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo earlier received a 23-year sentence for attempting to legitimize the order through a Cabinet meeting and falsifying records. Several military and police officials also were convicted.
Yoon is expected to appeal, which could move the case to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the ruling closes a major chapter in South Korea’s most serious political upheaval in decades.
