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South Korea’s Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Given Life for Martial-Law Insurrection

The ruling stands despite prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

Overview

  • The Central District Court of Seoul ruled that Yoon led an insurrection by declaring martial law and sending troops toward the National Assembly in December 2024.
  • Yoon issued a public apology for the suffering caused, asserting his decree was intended to save the nation and disputing that dispatching troops constituted rebellion.
  • He questioned whether to file an appeal as his legal team considers next steps, and he attended the hearing, which aired live on national television.
  • The special prosecutor’s team, which requested capital punishment, said it will appeal the life sentence.
  • Related proceedings have produced heavy penalties, including 23 years for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and one year and eight months for former First Lady Kim Keon-hee.