In an unprecedented judicial ruling, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating a December 2024 insurrection aimed at crippling the National Assembly. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, finding the ousted leader guilty of attempting to paralyze the legislative body through military deployment.
Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon emphasized the severity of Yoon’s actions, stating the court found conclusive evidence that “the intention was to paralyze the assembly for a considerable period.” The judicial panel noted the declaration of martial law resulted in “enormous social costs” and highlighted Yoon’s failure to demonstrate adequate remorse for his actions.
Following the sentencing, the 65-year-old former president issued a formal apology through his legal counsel on Friday. While acknowledging the “frustration and hardships” caused by his martial law decree, Yoon maintained his controversial measures were implemented “solely for the sake of the nation.” The disgraced leader expressed difficulty accepting the court’s decision but remained ambiguous about potential appeals.
The constitutional crisis began when Yoon declared emergency martial law on December 3, 2024, which was subsequently revoked hours later by the National Assembly. This triggered a political upheaval that culminated in Yoon’s impeachment last April, making him the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and indicted while in office.
Prosecutors had sought capital punishment, though South Korea maintains an unofficial moratorium on executions since 1997. Correctional authorities indicate most life-term inmates become eligible for parole consideration after serving approximately 20 years.