Seoul. A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of imposing martial law in the country in 2024, abuse of power and plotting a rebellion. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for him, but the court ruled life imprisonment. In the same case, the former Defense Minister has been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. No one has been executed in South Korea since 1997, so the death penalty is practically considered to be in abeyance.
Yun, 65, was accused of trying to take control of the liberal-majority National Assembly by activating the army and police forces in December 2024. Heavily armed security forces cordoned off the Parliament building, although lawmakers broke through the barriers and voted unanimously to lift martial law. The emergency order had to be withdrawn after about six hours. This incident had created a deep political crisis in the country.
The court found that an attempt was made to weaken the democratic system through the unconstitutional emergency order. The prosecution argued that this step disrupted the functioning of Parliament and the Election Commission.
Action has also been taken against other officials involved in implementing martial law. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Additionally, former Prime Minister Heon Deuk-soo was sentenced to 23 years in prison in a separate case. The charges against him of manipulation in cabinet process and lying under oath were proved. Han Duck-soo has filed an appeal against the verdict.
This decision is being considered historic and decisive for the democratic system of South Korea.
