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

Seoul, South Korea – Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for his actions related to the imposition of martial law in December 2024. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, February 19, 2026, by the Seoul Central District Court.

Imposition of Martial Law and Subsequent Impeachment

Yoon Suk Yeol fell from office after attempting to overcome an opposition-controlled legislature by declaring martial law and deploying troops to surround the National Assembly on December 3, 2024. Judge Jee Kui-youn found Yoon guilty of rebellion for mobilizing military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the National Assembly, arrest politicians, and establish unchecked power.

The martial law decree, lasting approximately six hours, included provisions for suspending political activities, controlling the media, and allowing arrests without warrants. It was ultimately lifted after lawmakers broke through a military blockade and unanimously voted to end the measure. Yoon was suspended from office on December 14, 2024, and formally removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Yoon has been under arrest since July 2025, facing multiple criminal trials. Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty during a January hearing, but the court ultimately delivered a life sentence. Five others were too sentenced, including former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun, who received a 30-year prison sentence.

The court stated that Yoon “took the lead in planning the crime and involved a large number of people,” and noted his lack of remorse, as he refused to appear in court. He was found to have ordered the military to capture individuals, including the current president Lee Jae Myung, and intended to paralyze the parliament by deploying troops and arresting key politicians.

Reactions and Appeals

The ruling was broadcast live on South Korean television. Yoon is expected to appeal the verdict. Supporters of the former president staged rallies outside the Seoul Central District Court on February 19, 2026.

Historical Context

Yoon’s imposition of martial law was the first of its kind in South Korea in over four decades, recalling a period of military-backed governments that occasionally used emergency decrees to control the population.