SEOUL – In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through the peninsula, a South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison. The 65-year-old was found guilty of masterminding a failed insurrection during his chaotic, short-lived attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
A Six-Hour Siege on Democracy
The court’s decision centers on the events of December 2024, when Yoon’s order to implement military rule paralyzed the nation for six hours. While the attempt was ultimately botched, the judge noted that the duration was irrelevant compared to the damage done.
“Yoon fundamentally damaged the democratic foundations of this country,” the presiding judge stated, dismissing the former president’s defense that the move was a “benign gesture” to highlight the alleged wrongdoings of the opposition party. The court was not convinced, labeling the move a direct assault on the constitution.
Tension Inside and Outside the Court
Yoon, who is already serving time for a separate conviction related to the martial law order, remained expressionless as the verdict was read. However, the atmosphere outside the courthouse was anything but calm.
Thousands of supporters gathered to protest the ruling, their exasperated sighs turning into shouts of dismay. “Korea is in shambles!” one onlooker cried as the news broke via TV broadcasts. The sentencing highlights a nation deeply polarized by Yoon’s legacy—a divide that cost his party the subsequent election and continues to fuel civil unrest.
The Falling Dominoes: Co-Defendants Sentenced
Yoon was not the only one to face the gavel today. Several high-ranking officials from his administration received significant prison terms for their roles in the insurrection:
| Name | Former Position | Sentence |
| Kim Yong-hyun | Defense Minister | 30 Years |
| Roh Sang-won | Intelligence Commander | 18 Years |
| Cho Ji-ho | Police Chief | 12 Years |
| Kim Bong-sik | Seoul Metropolitan Police Chief | 10 Years |
| Mok Hyun-tae | National Assembly Police Guard Head | 3 Years |
Despite the gravity of the life sentence, Yoon’s legal battles are far from over. He still faces two additional trials and is expected to appeal this verdict, potentially taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court.
The defendants have exactly one week to file their appeals. For a country still reeling from the paralysis of 2024, the path to closure remains long and winding.
Would you like me to provide a breakdown of the specific legal charges Yoon is still facing in his upcoming trials?
