Six hours of martial law — a life sentence
World
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for his attempt to impose martial law, a move that lasted only hours but triggered a political crisis, impeachment, and multiple court cases.
The Seoul Central District Court found the ex-president guilty of leading a rebellion linked to his decision to declare martial law on December 3, 2024. The court said the order aimed to paralyze parliament, with military units instructed to take control of the National Assembly complex.
Despite attempts by special forces to block the building, more than half of lawmakers managed to enter and hold an emergency session, voting to lift martial law. Amid widespread public outrage, the president revoked it just six hours after its introduction.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but a nationwide moratorium on executions has been in place since 1997. The court instead handed down a life sentence. Former defense minister Kim Yong Hyun was also convicted in the case and received 30 years in prison.
Following the December 2024 events, an investigation was launched and parliament impeached the president. He was arrested in January 2025. In April, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment, formally removing him from office.
Two months later, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae Myung won the presidential election, replacing Yoon as head of state.
Despite attempts by special forces to block the building, more than half of lawmakers managed to enter and hold an emergency session, voting to lift martial law. Amid widespread public outrage, the president revoked it just six hours after its introduction.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, but a nationwide moratorium on executions has been in place since 1997. The court instead handed down a life sentence. Former defense minister Kim Yong Hyun was also convicted in the case and received 30 years in prison.
Following the December 2024 events, an investigation was launched and parliament impeached the president. He was arrested in January 2025. In April, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment, formally removing him from office.
Two months later, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae Myung won the presidential election, replacing Yoon as head of state.
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