Ex-President Yoon Gets Life for Martial Law

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for imposing martial law briefly in December 2024.

The court found him guilty of rebellion. Judge Jee Kui-youn said that Yoon illegally used military and police forces in an attempt to take control of the liberal-led National Assembly. According to the judge, Yoon tried to arrest political leaders and concentrate power in his own hands for a “considerable” period of time.

The ruling stated that the former president’s actions were unconstitutional and threatened the country’s democratic system. By declaring martial law without proper legal grounds, he attempted to override civilian authority and weaken democratic institutions.

The court said such actions cannot be tolerated in a democratic nation. The life sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and the impact it had on the country’s political stability.

The case has drawn significant attention both within the country and internationally, as it involves a former head of state being convicted of rebellion.