Former South Korean President Yoon Suk‑yeol has been sentenced to life in prison in a court case that focused on his brief declaration of martial law. The judge found him guilty of inciting a rebellion on Thursday. While the prosecution had called for the death penalty in its closing argument, the verdict was markedly less severe.
Yoon imposed martial law only in early December 2024, during a standoff with an opposition‑led parliament that held a majority. The ruling party used its numbers to target cabinet members and block the passage of budget bills, leading Yoon to temporarily suspend civil liberties.
After the decision was overturned, Yoon was removed from office and arrested. Earlier, in January 2026, he had already received a five‑year prison sentence for obstructing justice.
