Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life in Prison
– Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of masterminding an insurrection through the attempted imposition of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, capping a dramatic and divisive period in South Korean politics.
Yoon, 65, attempted to subvert the constitution by deploying military troops to seal off the National Assembly and ordering the arrest of politicians on , according to the court’s ruling. Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon stated that Yoon’s actions fundamentally damaged South Korea’s democracy and warranted a harsh punishment. Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty.
The declaration of martial law, though short-lived, deeply polarized the nation. Crowds gathered outside the court hours before the sentencing, with supporters holding banners reading “Yoon, again,” and many breaking down in tears upon hearing the verdict. Counter-protesters rallied for the maximum penalty.
Yoon himself reportedly showed no emotion as the sentence was read. His legal team argued that the verdict lacked evidentiary support and accused the judge of adhering to a “pre-written script.”
The events of , triggered a constitutional crisis when Yoon announced the martial law order on live television, claiming the presence of “anti-state forces” within opposition parties sympathetic to North Korea. Armed soldiers were deployed to the parliament by helicopter, attempting to storm the building where lawmakers were assembled.
Lawmakers and citizens responded by barricading entrances and physically blocking the soldiers, with the chaotic scenes broadcast live across the country. Yoon reversed the order within six hours after lawmakers forced their way into the parliament and unanimously voted to block its implementation.
The case marks a significant moment for South Korea, a nation that has undergone a transformation into a robust democracy since the late 1980s, characterized by free speech, fair elections, and peaceful transitions of power. The country has also emerged as a major global economic player and a key ally of the United States in Asia.
The verdict is subject to appeal, potentially leading the case to the Supreme Court and delaying a final resolution for months. Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to 30 years in prison in connection with the same case.
The attempted imposition of martial law evoked memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past, raising concerns about the fragility of its democratic institutions. The incident prompted widespread condemnation and underscored the importance of safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles.
