Seoul, February 19: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. A Seoul court delivered the verdict on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of attempting to incite rebellion through martial law. The special prosecutor had previously appealed for the death penalty in this case.
The court clarified that the martial law order issued by Yoon was equivalent to rebellion. He attempted to weaken the National Assembly by deploying military forces in his parliamentary district.
The ruling emphasized that Yoon’s decision to send troops to the National Assembly was at the core of the case. During the proceedings, the imprisoned former president was brought before the court, and the hearing was broadcast live on national television.
In January of last year, Yoon was accused of rebellion for declaring martial law for six hours on December 3, 2024. Allegations stated that he conspired with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to undermine the constitution, declaring martial law illegally even without a war or national emergency.
During the final trial hearing last month, special prosecutor Cho Yoon-suk’s team sought the death penalty for the former president, arguing that he deserved the harshest punishment for declaring martial law to maintain power by seizing control over the judiciary and legislature.
The team stated, “The nature of the crime is severe as he gathered physical resources that should have been used solely for the country’s benefit.” In his final statement, Yoon maintained his innocence, asserting that the constitutional emergency powers of a president cannot be equated with rebellion.
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