A South Korean court has convicted former President Yoon Suk-yeol of insurrection and sentenced him to life imprisonment, marking one of the most significant rulings against a former head of state in the country’s democratic history.
The verdict relates to Yoon’s declaration of martial law in December 2024, when he ordered military forces to intervene during a political crisis. Prosecutors argued that the move constituted an attempt to undermine the constitutional order. While they reportedly sought the death penalty, the court imposed a life sentence.
The ruling follows months of political upheaval and legal proceedings that intensified divisions across South Korea’s political landscape. Supporters of the decision describe it as a reaffirmation of constitutional safeguards, while critics argue it reflects deepening partisan tensions. The conviction underscores South Korea’s history of prosecuting former presidents amid corruption and abuse-of-power cases.
