The Central District Court in Seoul has sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to life in prison for his role in declaring a state of emergency in December 2024. He was found guilty of insurrection.
According to reports from Yonhap and the Associated Press, a special prosecutor had sought the death penalty for Yoon, arguing that his actions posed a significant threat to South Korea’s democracy and warranted the harshest punishment.
Judge Ji Koo-yeon stated that Yoon mobilized military and law enforcement forces to unlawfully seize control of the liberal National Assembly, arrest political opponents, and establish unchecked power for an extended period. Following the verdict, Yoon is expected to appeal the decision.
Under South Korean law, organizing a rebellion can result in either life imprisonment or the death penalty; however, the country has not carried out executions since 1997.
Additionally, several former military and police officials involved in enforcing Yoon’s emergency decree were also convicted. Notably, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year sentence for his pivotal role in planning the military mobilization.
Background of the Emergency Declaration
On December 3, 2024, Yoon declared a state of emergency, accusing the opposition of controlling the parliament and paralyzing government functions through what he termed “anti-state activities.”
He claimed that the emergency measures were necessary to restore the rule of law and vowed to eradicate “disgraceful pro-North Korean anti-state forces.”
Following the declaration, military authorities prohibited all political activities, including protests, and imposed strict controls on media and publishers, as well as mandated that doctors on leave return to duty.
Just six hours after the state of emergency was announced, Yoon revoked the order.
On December 5, he accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who had taken responsibility for the emergency declaration, prompting widespread public reaction. Retired General Choi Byung-hyuk was appointed as the new defense minister.
On December 14, the South Korean parliament successfully passed an impeachment motion against Yoon, with 204 lawmakers supporting the measure.
On January 15, 2025, law enforcement arrested Yoon following the state of emergency declaration.
On January 18, a western district court in Seoul issued an arrest warrant for Yoon due to his attempt to impose military rule.
In January 2026, he was sentenced to five years in prison on related charges stemming from the state of emergency declaration.
Yoon has consistently denied any intention of establishing military rule, asserting that he declared the emergency to draw attention to the alleged malicious activities of opposition parties and to protect democracy from “anti-state” elements.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for insurrection related to his controversial declaration of a state of emergency in December 2024. The court's decision follows a series of political events that led to his impeachment.
Source: Yonhap