South Korea’s ex-president jailed for life over martial law attempt

South Korea has entered a new chapter in its democratic journey after former president Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating an insurrection through an attempted imposition of military rule.

A court in Seoul ruled that Yoon sought to undermine constitutional order by deploying military forces to seal off the National Assembly of South Korea and ordering the detention of political opponents on 3 December 2024. Presiding judge Ji Gwi-yeon said the actions caused profound harm to the nation’s democratic foundations and warranted severe punishment. Prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty.

Although the martial law order lasted only a few hours before being overturned by lawmakers, its aftermath has reshaped the political landscape. Large crowds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the court ahead of sentencing, holding banners and expressing hope for his return. Across from them stood demonstrators demanding the harshest penalty.

Yoon remained composed as the ruling was delivered. His legal team rejected the judgment, claiming it lacked evidentiary basis and accusing the court of bias. An appeal from either side would move the case to the Supreme Court of Korea, potentially extending legal proceedings for months.

The crisis began when Yoon announced martial law during a televised address, citing the need to defend the state from forces he alleged were sympathetic to North Korea. However, the move unfolded against a backdrop of mounting domestic pressure, including legislative gridlock and corruption allegations involving his wife.

Lawmakers ultimately forced their way into the National Assembly to reverse the decree, triggering a period of political upheaval that led to Yoon’s impeachment and multiple prosecutions of senior officials.

The court has already handed down significant sentences to others implicated in the plot. Former prime minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year prison term, while former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun was jailed for 30 years after advising the martial law order.

Additional convictions have followed for key figures including ex-interior minister Lee Sang-min, former intelligence commander Roh Sang-won, and ex-police chief Cho Ji-ho—with judges describing the episode as an “insurrection from the top”.