Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized for his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024, a day after a Seoul court sentenced him to life in prison for masterminding an insurrection.
In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon expressed sorrow for the "frustration and hardship" caused by his martial law decree but maintained the "sincerity and purpose" behind his actions.
He described the life sentence handed down by the Seoul Central District Court as "predetermined" and a case of political retaliation. Yoon questioned the meaning of an appeal in an environment he felt lacked guaranteed judicial independence, urging supporters to "unite and rise."
The martial law declaration lasted approximately six hours before being overturned by parliament, causing national shock and street protests. The court found Yoon guilty of subverting constitutional order by deploying troops to storm parliament and detain opponents.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, denied the charges, asserting his presidential authority to declare martial law to counter opposition obstruction. A special prosecutor had sought the death penalty.