Judge Ji Gwi-yeon of Seoul’s Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk-yeol to life imprisonment on Thursday, February 19, declaring, “We sentence Yoon to life in prison” for leading an insurrection.
The conservative ex-leader escaped the death penalty sought by prosecutors, a punishment not carried out in South Korea since 1997. Yoon marks the fifth national leader convicted by courts since 1996, though full sentences rarely materialize, often reduced or pardoned under new administrations.
Divided Public Opinion
South Korean society remains sharply split over the verdict. Yoon’s conservative party stays largely supportive, with some members urging his political comeback.
Coup Attempt Details
The crisis unfolded on the evening of December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law and directed troops to storm parliament. Lawmakers broke through the military cordon into the chamber and passed a resolution condemning the move, compelling Yoon to reverse course. The civilian government suspension lasted just six hours but sparked a prolonged political upheaval.
Yoon, detained during the trial, faced impeachment in April over these actions. Now 65, he confronts multiple ongoing cases and rejects all charges, insisting his steps protected freedom and restored constitutional order against the opposition’s “legal dictatorship,” which dominated parliament and stalled his agenda. Courts previously handed him a five-year term for related lesser offenses.
Convictions of Key Allies
Former colleagues involved in the martial law decision also face justice. Ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year sentence upon conviction. Late last month, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo drew a 23-year term, exceeding the 15 years requested by prosecutors. Last week, ex-Interior Minister Lee Sang-min got seven years for their roles in the scandal.
