A South Korean court on Thursday issued a life imprisonment sentence against former President Yoon Suk-yul against the backdrop of the imposition of martial law in 2024. It is noteworthy that the political crisis broke out on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law, considering that the decision was necessary to “root out anti-state elements” before he was removed by a decision of Parliament that was upheld by the Constitutional Court.

Published on: 02/19/2026 - 08:18 Last updated: 02/19/2026 - 08:40

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yul was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for briefly declaring martial law in late 2024. "We sentence Yoon to life in prison" for leading a rebellion, said Judge Ji Gwi-yeon of the Seoul Central District Court.

In April of last year, the Constitutional Court in South Korea approved the dismissal of President Yoon Suk-yul, after it supported a parliamentary proposal taken against him against the backdrop of his imposition of martial law for a short period at the end, a measure that sparked the worst political crisis in the country.

Read also: South Korea: The Constitutional Court decides to impeach President Yeon Suk-yeol due to the imposition of martial law

In response to the Constitutional Court ruling, the “People Power” party, to which Yoon belonged at the time, announced its acceptance of the court’s decision. Representative Kwon Young-se said, "It is unfortunate, but the People Power Party officially accepts and respects the Constitutional Court's decision with all humility. We extend our sincere apologies to the people."

It is noteworthy that the political crisis broke out on December 3, 2024, when Yoon declared martial law, considering that the decision was necessary to “root out anti-state elements” and respond to what he described as the Democratic Party’s misuse of its parliamentary majority.

But the president retracted six hours after making this decision, and withdrew the decree, after lawmakers confronted the security forces’ attempt to close the parliament building.

France 24/AFP

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