In a dramatic turn of events, Yoon’s political career came to an abrupt end following a reckless decision to declare martial law. On December 3, 2024, he attempted to circumvent an opposition-dominated legislature by deploying troops to encircle the National Assembly. His actions ultimately led to his downfall.

Presiding over the case, Judge Jee Kui-youn delivered a guilty verdict, convicting Yoon of rebellion. The charge stemmed from his unauthorized use of military and police forces in an effort to seize control of the liberal-led National Assembly, detain politicians, and establish unchecked authority for an indefinite period.

Yoon is expected to challenge the court’s decision through an appeal process.

During the trial, a special prosecutor had called for the death penalty, arguing that Yoon’s actions represented a severe threat to the nation’s democratic fabric and warranted the harshest punishment. However, given the absence of casualties in the ill-conceived coup attempt, many analysts predict a life sentence instead.

It’s worth noting that South Korea hasn’t carried out an execution since 1997, effectively instituting a de facto moratorium on capital punishment amid growing calls for its abolition.

As Yoon arrived for his court appearance, the atmosphere outside the judicial complex was charged. Hundreds of police officers maintained a watchful presence as Yoon’s supporters rallied, their voices echoing as the prison bus carrying him passed by. Meanwhile, his critics gathered nearby, vociferously advocating for the imposition of the death penalty.

The court also convicted and sentenced several former military and police officials involved in enforcing Yoon’s martial law decree, including ex-defence minister Kim Yong Hyun, who received a 30-year jail term for his central role in planning the measure and mobilizing the military.

Yoon, a staunch conservative, has defended his martial law decree as necessary to stop liberals, whom he described as “anti-state” forces, from obstructing his agenda with their legislative majority.

The decree lasted about six hours before being lifted after a quorum of lawmakers managed to break through a military blockade and unanimously voted to lift the measure.

Yoon was suspended from office on December 14, 2024, after being impeached by lawmakers and was formally removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He has been under arrest since July while facing multiple criminal trials, with the rebellion charge carrying the most severe punishment.

Last month, Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for resisting arrest, fabricating the martial law proclamation and sidestepping a legally mandated full Cabinet meeting before declaring the measure.

The Seoul Central Court has also convicted two of Yoon’s Cabinet members in other cases. That includes Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who received a 23-year prison sentence for attempting to legitimise the decree by forcing it through a Cabinet Council meeting, falsifying records and lying under oath. Han has appealed the verdict.

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