Prosecutors had sought the death penalty against Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed coup attempt in 2024
</p><div><p>Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for insurrection. Yoon declared martial law in 2024, which prosecutors say was an attempt to cling to power. They had demanded the death penalty for the former head of state.
Yoon was deposed after his short-lived coup. The former president denied the allegations and insisted it was within his powers as president to declare martial law. He cited a legislative deadlock and a supposed one “revolt” plotted by pro-Pyongyang forces in the political opposition.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Thursday that while the declaration of martial law did not in itself constitute an insurrection, Yoon was nevertheless guilty for attempting to obstruct the normal functioning of a constitutional body: parliament.
“It is difficult to deny that former President Yoon was deeply committed to preventing the National Assembly from functioning properly… by sending in troops,” Chairman Jee Kui-youn said this in a statement broadcast live on national television. “It is also acknowledged that he staged a riot by sending the army.”
Last month, prosecutors described Yoon, 65, as the “leader of a rebellion” and accused him of masterminding the plan to seize power in 2023. The court recognized the “leading role” in the plot, but insisted that the plan was not thorough, the use of force was limited and that Yoon had no previous criminal convictions.
In addition to Yoon, seven other suspects were also convicted in the case. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to 30 years behind bars, while former National Police chief Cho Ji-ho received 12 years and former Seoul Metropolitan Police chief Kim Bong-sik received a 10-year prison term.
Last month, the court also sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his role in the uprising attempt.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law was overturned by parliament within hours. Lawmakers convened despite Yoon’s attempt to use security forces to blockade the National Assembly building. Soldiers refused to follow orders to crack down; Meanwhile, demonstrators gathered in the streets.
