Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Sentenced to Life in Prison
Seoul – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of leading an insurrection related to his attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Martial Law Declaration and Impeachment
In December 2024, then-President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in a televised address, alleging the presence of “anti-state forces” within opposition parties sympathetic to North Korea. Armed soldiers were deployed towards the parliament building by helicopter, attempting to enter the chamber where lawmakers were gathered. Lawmakers and citizens resisted, barricading entrances and preventing the soldiers from reaching the chamber, with the chaotic scenes broadcast live on television. Novel York Times
Yoon reversed the declaration within six hours after lawmakers convened inside parliament and unanimously voted to block it. He was subsequently impeached by the parliament, arrested, and charged with multiple offenses, including rebellion and obstruction of justice. BBC News
Court Verdict and Sentencing
The court found Yoon guilty of attempting to “paralyze” the South Korean National Assembly. Presiding Judge Ji Gwi Yeon stated, “Against defendant Yoon Suk Yeol, the crime of leading a rebellion has been proven.” The judge detailed that Yoon deployed military troops to the parliament building with the intent to silence his political opponents. Al Jazeera
While prosecutors had requested the death penalty, South Korea maintains an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment, with the last execution occurring in 1997. Yoon had previously been sentenced to five years in prison on lesser charges. CNN
Additional Convictions
Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to 20 months in prison in early January 2026 on bribery charges, unrelated to the martial law declaration. Former Prime Minister Han Duck Soo received a 23-year prison sentence for his involvement in Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law, being found guilty of aiding and abetting the declaration. Former Minister of Home Affairs Lee Sang-min was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in the same effort. New York Times
Political Future and Appeals
Despite his conviction, Yoon Suk-yeol has reportedly reinvented himself as a populist right-wing figure following his removal from office. Supporters outside the court expressed hope for an appeal, while some were visibly distraught. An ex-general commented that Yoon must take “responsibility for his misjudgement.” BBC News The convicted officials may appeal their sentences, and the verdict is unlikely to end Yoon’s political life. CNN