A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol, 65, to life in prison on Thursday after finding him guilty of abuse of authority and conspiracy in an insurrection. Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty for Yoon, who attempted to impose martial law in December 2024.
The verdict came as a surprise, given South Korea’s history of avoiding executions since 1997. Court proceedings have been marked by stringent security measures; police buses formed a cordon around the Seoul Central District Court where the trial took place, reflecting the seriousness of Yoon’s actions and their impact on the country.
Prosecutors argued that Yoon’s attempt to enforce emergency martial law undermined democratic institutions and was unconstitutional. They cited his illegal orders for troops to forcibly remove opposition members from parliament and police forces tasked with controlling access points as evidence of his violations.
Yoon has repeatedly denied these allegations, claiming he acted within his presidential authority to address what he saw as a threat to government stability. His conviction places him at the center of South Korea’s most significant political crisis since its founding.
The sentence also includes charges related to obstructing authorities during Yoon’s martial law declaration in January and for dispatching troops and police forces to block opposition party activities. If confirmed, this will likely set a precedent for future cases involving similar offenses.
At present, Yoon is under detention at the Seoul Detention Centre and faces multiple legal challenges ahead, including possible appeals to higher courts. The full resolution of his case is expected to extend beyond two years, encompassing all proceedings from initial trials through appellate stages.
Yoon’s presidential bid, which sparked nationwide unrest, underscores the delicate balance between executive authority and democratic oversight in South Korea—a country with a pivotal role in US security alliances and significant economic influence globally. His actions have tested whether democracy can withstand such challenges within its borders.
In response to Yoon’s conviction, President Lee Jae Myung commended the public’s resilience in standing against the martial law attempt, stating that their defiance was an exemplary act for humanity. This sentiment is reflective of the broader support and scrutiny Yoon now faces as he navigates his legal battles.
The Korean people have been at the forefront of this saga, facing off with military forces to resist Yoon’s rule. Academics are considering nominations for a Nobel Peace Prize on their behalf, highlighting how public activism can push against authoritarian tendencies in established democracies.