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South Korea’s Former President Yoon Jailed for Life Over Martial Law Attempt. South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating what a Seoul court described as an insurrection after attempting to impose martial law in December 2024. Judges found that he deployed troops to block the National Assembly and ordered the arrest of politicians, actions they said gravely undermined the constitution. Prosecutors had demanded the death penalty, but the court imposed life imprisonment, identifying Yoon as the leader of the insurrection. Yoon announced martial law on live television, claiming he was defending the country from “anti-state” forces amid mounting political pressure at home. Lawmakers forced their way into parliament within hours to overturn the decree, setting off months of turmoil that ended in his impeachment. Outside the courthouse, supporters and opponents gathered in large numbers, reflecting the deep divisions his actions have caused. Yoon showed no visible reaction to the verdict, while his lawyers criticised the ruling as unfounded and politically driven. Security was reinforced around the court, with about 1,000 officers deployed to prevent clashes between rival groups. Several former officials, including ex-prime minister Han Duck-soo and former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, have also received lengthy prison sentences. Although prosecutors sought capital punishment, South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, making life imprisonment the most severe practical penalty.
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