Yoon Suk-yeol Sentenced to Life Over Martial Law Bid

In a landmark ruling with far-reaching political consequences, a South Korean court on Thursday sentenced former president Yoon Suk-yeol to life imprisonment after convicting him of leading an insurrection through his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024.

The verdict was delivered by the Seoul Central District Court, which found that Yoon had unlawfully deployed military and police forces in an attempt to seize control of the legislature and suppress political opposition. The court ruled that his actions posed a grave threat to the country’s constitutional order and democratic framework.

The crisis began on December 3, 2024, when Yoon announced martial law amid escalating tensions with an opposition-controlled parliament. Troops were dispatched to the National Assembly of South Korea, and access to the building was restricted as lawmakers sought to convene an emergency session. The move sparked immediate public outrage, with large crowds gathering in protest across Seoul.

Despite the military presence, legislators forced their way into the Assembly chamber and voted unanimously to revoke the martial law decree. Within hours, the order was withdrawn. However, the dramatic episode plunged the nation into political turmoil and triggered impeachment proceedings against the president.

Yoon was impeached by parliament later that month and subsequently removed from office following a decision by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He has remained in custody since mid-2025 while facing trial on charges including rebellion and abuse of power.

During court proceedings, prosecutors argued that Yoon’s decision to impose martial law was not a defensive measure but a calculated attempt to undermine democratic institutions. They contended that the deployment of armed forces to encircle the legislature amounted to an act of insurrection. While prosecutors sought the death penalty, the court opted for life imprisonment, citing legal standards and the absence of fatalities during the brief enforcement of martial law.

The ruling marks one of the most significant convictions of a former head of state in South Korea’s modern history. Several senior military and police officials accused of assisting in the implementation of martial law have also been convicted and handed lengthy prison terms.

Outside the courthouse, reactions were sharply divided. Supporters of Yoon criticised the verdict as politically motivated, while opponents hailed it as a reaffirmation of democratic accountability. Legal experts expect the former president to appeal the decision.The case has underscored the resilience of South Korea’s democratic institutions, even as it exposed deep  political divisions. Analysts say the verdict sends a strong signal that attempts to override constitutional limits on executive power will face strict legal consequences.