Seoul has been rocked by a dramatic legal battle as former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was handed a life sentence for orchestrating an insurrection. Just a day after the verdict, Yoon issued a statement, expressing sorrow for the “frustration and hardship” caused by his brief martial law decree in December 2024. However, he adamantly defended the “sincerity and purpose” behind his actions, refusing to back down on his controversial decisions.
The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of a grave offense: subverting the nation’s constitutional order. Prosecutors argued he deployed troops, stormed parliament, and attempted to detain political opponents during his six-hour martial law declaration, which was swiftly voted down by lawmakers. This decision marks a stunning fall from grace for the former leader, who was once a career prosecutor himself.
Yoon, however, fiercely disputes the ruling, calling it “predetermined” and an act of “political retaliation.” He argued that he possessed presidential authority to declare martial law, seeing it as a necessary measure against what he perceived as obstruction from opposition parties. Despite questioning the fairness of the judicial system, his lawyers have indicated he has not ruled out an appeal.
In a defiant message, Yoon urged his supporters to “unite and rise,” suggesting a continued struggle against those he believes are using the verdict for political purging. The case has sent shockwaves through South Korea, highlighting deep political divisions and raising questions about the future of its democracy.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/south-korea-yoon-suk-yeol-apologise-life-sentence-5942266
