In a landmark decision that has gripped South Korea, former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison. The ruling, delivered by a South Korean court on Thursday, marks a truly unprecedented moment in the nation’s political history.
The court found Mr. Yoon guilty of serious charges, primarily centered on abuse of power and masterminding an insurrection. What was this “insurrection”? According to the court, it was his attempt to impose martial law in 2024. This move, the court declared, amounted to a “rebellion” – a calculated effort to seize and maintain unchecked power for an extended period.
Prosecutors in the case had actually pushed for the death penalty, arguing that Yoon’s actions, including his “unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law,” directly undermined the National Assembly and the Election Commission, effectively “destroying the liberal democratic constitutional order.” Under South Korean law, masterminding an insurrection carries penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death.
Yoon, aged 65, vehemently denied all charges. He maintained that he had the presidential authority to declare martial law, claiming it was a necessary step to prevent chaos fueled by the opposition and to uphold law and order. However, it was this very declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, that ultimately led to his removal from office.
Beyond the martial law attempt, the court is also considering charges that Yoon abused his position to persecute political opponents, jailing them and even deploying forces to block access to opposition party buildings.
This entire trial has been monumental for South Korea, plunging the nation into a deep political crisis and creating significant polarization. The verdict sends a clear message about the rule of law, even for the highest office.
