In a dramatic turn of events, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a Seoul court found him guilty of insurrection related to his failed attempt at a power grab in 2024. The incident involved his imposition of martial law in a move that ultimately backfired.

Initially, prosecutors pushed for the death penalty for Yoon, but the court delivered a life sentence, underscoring the gravity of his actions. Despite his plea of innocence, the 65-year-old was convicted of rebellion, having orchestrated an unlawful effort to seize control of the National Assembly. This included the mobilization of military and police forces to arrest politicians and consolidate power without oversight.

The case also implicated Yoon’s former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, who was instrumental in marshaling the military for this ill-fated coup. Kim received a substantial sentence of 30 years in prison for his involvement.

Yoon defended his imposition of martial law as a necessary measure against what he labeled as “anti-state” liberal forces, whom he accused of obstructing his legislative plans. However, the court’s ruling reflects a decisive repudiation of his actions and a reaffirmation of democratic principles in South Korea.

Yoon’s former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, played a significant role in mobilizing the military and was slapped with a 30-year jail sentence. 

The ex-president defended his decision to impose martial law. He wanted to stop liberals, who he described as “anti-state” forces and claimed they were blocking his legislative agenda.

Yoon vowed to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces” and stop South Korea from plunging into “the depths of national ruin.” 

It was the first time martial law had been declared since South Korea’s democratization in 1987.

The decree sparked protests and it was condemned by opposition politicians and the leader of Yoon’s conservative party before being lifted after around six hours.

Yoon was impeached and formally removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He has been under arrest since July last year.

Last month, he was slapped with a five-year prison sentence on several charges, including resisting arrest, and fabricating the martial law proclamation.

Military strongman Chun Doo-hwan was sentenced to death in 1996 – before his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. He was eventually pardoned and released.

In January, former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was jailed for 23 years on charges including insurrection.

The judge accused Han of participating in the insurrection before adding: “As a result, South Korea was in danger of returning to the dark past when the basic rights and liberal democratic order of the people were violated, potentially preventing them from escaping … dictatorship for a long time.”

Han was found guilty of “engaging in (the) key action of insurrection”, as well as on related charges of perjury and falsifying an official document.

Yoon is expected to appeal his sentence.

With Post wires