Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life in Prison

A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection related to the declaration of martial law in December 2024.¹²³⁴

Martial Law and Impeachment

Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted from office after declaring martial law on December 3, 2024, in an attempt to overcome an opposition-controlled legislature.¹⁴ He mobilized military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the National Assembly, arrest politicians and establish unchecked power.¹³ The martial law lasted approximately six hours before being lifted after politicians broke through a military blockade and unanimously voted to end it.³

Yoon was impeached by the Parliament on December 14, 2024, and officially removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April 2025.² He had been in custody since July 2025.⁴

The Court’s Decision

The judge found Yoon guilty of rebellion for his actions, stating that he attempted to seize the National Assembly and arrest politicians to establish unchecked power.¹ Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty, arguing that his actions threatened South Korea’s democracy.³⁴ However, South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, effectively maintaining a moratorium on capital punishment.³

Yoon defended his actions, claiming he intended only to inform the public about the perceived obstructionism of the liberal majority in parliament.⁴ However, prosecutors argued that he aimed to prevent lawmakers from voting against the martial law decree.⁴

Other Convictions

Several other high-ranking officials from Yoon’s administration have also been sentenced to prison terms in connection with the case, including a former prime minister who received a 23-year sentence.³ Yoon’s wife was also sentenced to 20 months in prison in an unrelated corruption case.³

Political Polarization

The case has highlighted the increasing political polarization in South Korea, with supporters and opponents of Yoon holding rallies near the courthouse.¹ The conservative camp is represented by Yoon’s People’s Power Party, while the liberal camp is represented by the Democratic Party.⁴

Yoon has the right to appeal the verdict.¹