Former President Yoon Sentenced to Life for Martial Law Attempt

In a landmark verdict, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. Seoul Central Court's Judge Jee Kui-youn found Yoon guilty of rebellion, citing his illegal mobilization of military forces as an attempt to seize the National Assembly, which posed a direct threat to democracy.

The special prosecutor had called for the death penalty, classifying Yoon's actions as deserving the most severe punishment. However, many analysts anticipated a life sentence given the lack of casualties during Yoon's poorly-planned power grab. South Korea has not employed the death penalty since 1997, due in part to the ongoing societal debate over its abolition.

The court's decision also resulted in the sentencing of several former military and police officials, including ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, to long prison terms. As Yoon arrived in court, public tension was palpable with supporters rallying and critics demanding harsher punishments. Meanwhile, Yoon plans to appeal the life sentence.