Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to impose military rule in South Korea.
A court in Seoul found that Yoon ordered troops to surround the National Assembly on 3 December 2024 and moved to detain political opponents after declaring martial law during a live broadcast. Lawmakers later forced their way into the chamber and overturned the order within hours.
Judge Ji Gwi-yeon said the former president’s actions caused serious harm to the country’s democratic system. Prosecutors had asked for the death penalty, but the court handed down a life sentence instead. South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.
Throughout the trial, Yoon defended his decision, saying he had the constitutional power to declare martial law. He insisted the move was necessary “to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the people and to preserve the nation and its constitution”.
His legal team rejected the verdict, calling it a “pre-written script” and arguing that the judgment was not supported by sufficient evidence. An appeal could send the case to the Supreme Court, a process that may take several months.
The sentencing highlights deep political divisions in South Korea. Supporters of Yoon gathered outside the courthouse holding signs that read “Yoon, again,” while critics called for the toughest possible punishment.
Several former senior officials have also received lengthy prison terms over their roles in what judges described as “an insurrection from the top”. Former prime minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years. Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun received 30 years. Former interior minister Lee Sang-min, former intelligence commander Roh Sang-won, and former police chief Cho Ji-ho were also jailed.
Yoon is already serving prison time for separate offences linked to abuse of power and obstructing his arrest. He still faces three additional trials connected to the failed martial law order.