A South Korean court has handed a life sentence to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The conviction stems from charges of abuse of authority and masterminding an insurrection related to his December 2024 attempt to impose martial law. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty in this closely watched case, which has tested democratic resilience in the deeply divided nation.
The court found Yoon's actions undermined the National Assembly and the Election Commission, threatening the constitutional order. Masterminding an insurrection carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under South Korean law. South Korea last executed a prisoner in 1997.
Yoon, 65, a former career prosecutor, denied the charges, asserting presidential authority to declare martial law as a measure against opposition obstruction. He is currently detained and is expected to appeal the ruling. This conviction is one of eight trial proceedings against the ousted leader, who also received a five-year sentence in January for obstructing arrest attempts following the martial law declaration.
Though Yoon's martial law attempt lasted only about six hours before being overturned by parliament, it sent shockwaves through the nation, a key US security ally and a resilient democracy.