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

Seoul, South Korea – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after being convicted of leading an insurrection during his time in office. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of attempting to impose martial law in 2024, a move that triggered political turmoil in the U.S. Ally.

Failed Martial Law Bid and Impeachment

Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty for Yoon, 65, whose attempt to suspend civilian government and impose martial law was swiftly rejected by the National Assembly. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum voted unanimously against the order in an emergency session, forcing Yoon to lift it within six hours of its imposition.

The court determined that Yoon subverted the constitutional order and abused his authority by ordering troops to storm parliament and target individuals for arrest, including then-opposition leader Lee Jae Myung, who is now the current President of South Korea.

Conviction and Sentencing Details

Yoon pleaded not guilty to the insurrection charge, the most serious of a range of accusations he faces. Alongside Yoon, seven former military officers and senior police officials were also convicted of participating in the imposition of martial law. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year prison sentence.

Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, was previously sentenced to 20 months in jail in January for accepting bribes from the Unification Church, marking the first time in South Korean history that a former presidential couple has been convicted simultaneously. She received 80 million won (approximately $56,000 or £40,600) worth of gifts, including a diamond necklace and Chanel handbags, in exchange for political and business favors BBC News.

Reactions to the Verdict

Following the verdict, Yoon’s legal team criticized the trial as predetermined. Yoon has the right to appeal the decision. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik urged Yoon to acknowledge his wrongdoing and apologize to the public, stating that it was time to cease dividing the nation with claims that deny the democratic order Reuters.

The martial law order, the first in South Korea in over 40 years, shocked a nation that has transitioned into a vibrant democracy after decades of military-authoritarian rule. The ensuing chaos led to Yoon’s impeachment and a period of political uncertainty.

Ongoing Legal Battles

Yoon was first arrested while in office in January 2025 and his impeachment was upheld by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He currently faces eight criminal trials related to the martial law order and other allegations. He was previously sentenced to five years in prison last month in a separate case and is appealing that ruling. He is also charged with treason for allegedly ordering drones into North Korean airspace to provoke a confrontation AP News.

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year sentence last month and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min was sentenced to seven years last week for their roles in the martial law order.

Future Outlook

While a presidential pardon remains a possibility, as seen in the case of former President Chun Doo-hwan, experts suggest public sentiment may be less forgiving towards Yoon given the deeply ingrained democratic values in contemporary South Korea. The divisions created by the episode will accept time to heal, but the strong support for Yoon among some segments of the population demonstrates the resilience and maturity of South Korean democracy.