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Former South Korean President Yoon Gets Life Term Over Martial Law Attempt

Published: Feb. 20, 2026 11:42 a.m. GMT+8

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Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at a hearing on Feb. 13. Photo: VCG

A South Korean court on Thursday sentenced former president Yoon Suk-yeol to life in prison after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection by declaring martial law in 2024 and deploying troops to seize control of the National Assembly.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon’s Dec. 3, 2024 declaration of martial law — issued during a prolonged political standoff with the opposition — amounted to an attempt to paralyze constitutional institutions. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty.

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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to life in prison for insurrection after declaring martial law and deploying troops to seize the National Assembly on Dec. 3, 2024.
The court rejected prosecutors’ call for the death penalty, citing mitigations including limited force and Yoon’s public service; his impeachment and removal led to Lee Jae-myung’s election.
Yoon’s wife also received a prison sentence for stock manipulation and bribery, marking a first for a South Korean presidential couple.

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What Happened When

December 3, 2024：: Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, banning political activities and placing the news media under martial-law command; troops and police surrounded the National Assembly in Seoul.

December 4, 2024：: Yoon lifted martial law six hours after lawmakers unanimously demanded its revocation.

December 14, 2024：: Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly.

January 2025：: Yoon was arrested after initially resisting detention inside the presidential residence.

April 4, 2025：: South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s impeachment, formally removing him from office and triggering early elections.

April 2025：: Yoon’s insurrection trial began.

June 2025：: Opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung won the presidency.

January 2026：: Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon-hee, was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison on stock price manipulation and accepting bribes.

February 19, 2026：: Yoon Suk-yeol was sentenced to life in prison by the Seoul Central District Court after being found guilty of leading an insurrection.

AI generated, for reference only