South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for declaring martial law in December 2024, which the court said was an illegal attempt to take control of the government, according to reports.
Yoon was reportedly found guilty of rebellion, for using military and police forces to try and stop the National Assembly, and arresting politicians. Yoon is likely to appeal the verdict.
A special prosecutor had demanded the death penalty, saying Yoon’s actions were a serious threat to South Korea’s democracy, according to reports.
Heavy security was deployed outside the court as Yoon arrived. His supporters gathered to protest, while critics also assembled nearby demanding strict punishment.
The court also sentenced other officials involved in enforcing the martial law order. Former Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun was given 30 years in prison for his key role in planning the move and mobilising the military, as per reports.
Yoon had defended his decision, claiming liberals were ‘anti-state’ forces blocking his work. However, the martial law lasted only six hours, ending after lawmakers managed to enter the Assembly despite a military blockade and voted unanimously to lift the order.
Yoon was impeached in December 2024, removed from office in April 2025, and has been in custody since July 2025.
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