South Korea's ousted President Yoon sentenced to life for martial law insurrection

2026-02-19 - 11:32

South Korea's deposed former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, received a life sentence Thursday from the Seoul Central District Court for his role in leading an insurrection through the attempted imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024. The conviction represents the most serious charge among eight cases against Yoon, who was formally removed from office in April 2025 after the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld his impeachment. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year sentence for his participation in the martial law implementation. The December 2024 Martial Law Crisis Yoon's late-night declaration of martial law on December 3 accused the opposition Democratic Party of anti-state activities and alleged collaboration with North Korea without providing evidence. Within hours, 190 lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke the order while armed troops attempted to block their entry into the National Assembly, sparking clashes with protesters. The martial law was lifted within six hours, but the incident triggered rapid political consequences: Yoon was impeached December 14, suspended from office, and arrested January 15, 2025, after initial resistance. Legal Proceedings and Political Aftermath The Constitutional Court formally removed Yoon from office April 4, 2025, triggering a snap presidential election won by Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung on June 3. Yoon was indicted on insurrection charges January 26, 2025, and previously received a five-year sentence January 16, 2026, for obstructing investigators' arrest attempts. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, briefly impeached in December 2024, was reinstated as acting president March 24, 2025. Yoon's case mirrors that of former President Park Geun-hye, impeached in 2017, though he faces six remaining trials and is expected to appeal Thursday's life sentence.