A South Korean court delivered a landmark verdict on Thursday, sentencing former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison. He was found guilty of leading an insurrection after he briefly imposed martial law back in 2024, a move that shook the nation.
These actions by Mr. Yoon triggered a profound constitutional crisis in South Korea, ultimately leading to his impeachment and removal from office.
Here’s a closer look at the key details surrounding this significant trial:
What were the charges against former President Yoon?
The 65-year-old former president had been on trial since April, facing several criminal charges. These charges originated from his declaration of martial law on the evening of December 3, 2024. Among them, the insurrection charge stood out as the gravest accusation.
Prosecutors contended that Mr. Yoon’s decree—which prohibited all political activities and ordered the military to seize the National Assembly—constituted an act of insurrection. They further alleged that he colluded with high-ranking military and police officials to orchestrate the detention of political adversaries, including the Speaker of the Assembly and prominent opposition figures.
Under South Korea’s criminal code, an insurrection charge carries only two possible sentences: the death penalty or life imprisonment. The prosecution had vigorously sought the ultimate punishment.
Throughout the proceedings, Mr. Yoon vehemently denied the insurrection charge. He maintained that his martial law declaration was merely “a warning” aimed at an uncooperative opposition. He famously characterized the legislature as a “den of criminals” who, in his view, used their power to obstruct and paralyze his administration.
He asserted that he never intended to dismantle the legislative body or arrest any political leaders.
What was the court’s ruling?
Presiding Judge Ji Gwiyeon stated on Thursday that Mr. Yoon “disregarded legal protocols and employed violent methods in an attempt to cripple the National Assembly, thereby undermining fundamental democratic norms.”
The judge emphasized that Mr. Yoon’s actions compromised the neutrality of both the military and police forces, caused “incalculable damage” to South Korean society, and exacerbated political polarization within the country.
A severe sentence was warranted, the judge explained, partly due to Mr. Yoon’s steadfast refusal to apologize for leading the insurrection. However, his advanced age and the absence of lethal force during the events were cited as reasons to spare him the death penalty.
What unfolded following Yoon’s martial law declaration?
Mr. Yoon’s controversial decree effectively banned all political activities and placed news organizations under strict military control. Armed forces were deployed to seize both the National Assembly and the National Election Commission.
Yet, the decree was rescinded after just six tumultuous hours. Citizens, witnessing the televised declaration, swiftly mobilized and converged on the National Assembly, successfully blocking the deployed soldiers. Inside the Assembly, lawmakers convened an emergency session and voted to overturn his declaration under the cover of night.
These dramatic events triggered South Korea’s most severe political crisis in decades. On December 14, he was impeached by the National Assembly. The following month, he was arrested on the insurrection charge, marking a historic moment as the first sitting South Korean president to ever face such criminal accusations.
By April, Mr. Yoon was formally removed from his presidential office.