SEOUL, South Korea — Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for his role in an attempted insurrection stemming from a brief declaration of martial law in 2024. This decision from the Seoul Central District Court marks a significant moment in South Korea’s political landscape, reflecting a historic crisis that has reshaped the country’s governance.

In December 2024, Yoon, 65, declared martial law in a desperate bid to counter a National Assembly dominated by opposition lawmakers. He mobilized military forces to encircle the legislative building, an act deemed unconstitutional by the court. Judge Jee Kui-youn stated that Yoon’s actions not only intended to seize control but also to detain political adversaries, thereby undermining democratic practices.

This unprecedented martial law decree, the first in over 40 years, has drawn comparisons to South Korea’s military-backed regimes of the past. During those times, emergency measures often led to military presence in civilian areas to prevent dissent. Yoon’s decree included sweeping powers that temporarily dismantled legislative functions, banned political activities, and allowed warrantless arrests — a move that saw lawmakers swiftly rally to overturn his decree within hours.

Yoon’s presidency came to an abrupt end following impeachment proceedings initiated on December 14, 2024. In a formal ruling by the Constitutional Court in April 2025, he was officially removed from office. His ongoing trials since last summer culminated in the rebellion charge, the most severe among several he faced.

In court, Yoon remained expressionless as the verdict was read, a scene reminiscent of past trials involving former military leaders notorious for treason and corruption. Yoon’s defense team criticized the ruling as biased and asserted that the martial law was intended to highlight government dysfunction rather than suppress opposition.

Prosecutors contended that Yoon’s true motive was to manipulate legislative processes, exceeding his authority. They argued that his plan would have effectively obstructed the Assembly’s ability to function.

Alongside Yoon, the court also sentenced multiple officials involved in the martial law implementation. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun received a 30-year sentence for orchestrating the military’s involvement, which included orders for the arrest of key politicians, among them the National Assembly speaker.

Outside the courtroom, tensions were palpable as supporters clashed with critics. As Yoon was transported in a prison bus, a mixture of shouts for his release and calls for harsh punishment filled the air. Some had called for the death penalty, although analysts largely anticipated a life sentence due to the absence of violence in Yoon’s actions.

Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party, expressed disappointment that the court did not impose the death penalty, deeming the ruling inadequate. Contrasting sentiments arose from within Yoon’s former party, the People Power Party, where an apology was issued for the political turmoil resulting from Yoon’s tenure.

Last month, Yoon received a five-year sentence for related charges involving the unlawful proclamation of martial law. This amplifies a pattern of convictions among his associates, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who faces a 23-year sentence for attempting to validate the martial decree through procedural manipulation.

Yoon stands out as the first former South Korean president to receive a life sentence since the military dictator Chun Doo-hwan, who was initially sentenced to death in 1996 but later had his sentence reduced. Chun’s eventual release in 1997 under a presidential pardon further showcases the complexities and evolving nature of justice in South Korea’s political history.