SEOUL, South Korea — Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a South Korean court for his brief declaration of martial law in December 2024, an act deemed as rebellion. This ruling concludes a lengthy legal process that lasted 10 months, wherein Yoon defended his actions as a legitimate exercise of presidential power.
Timeline of Events Leading to Yoon’s Conviction
December 1, 2024
Yoon expressed his intent to take “emergency measures” to Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, targeting liberal opponents in the National Assembly.
December 3, 2024
Yoon announced martial law, referring to the opposition-controlled legislature as a “den of criminals,” aiming to “eradicate” liberal adversaries. Armed troops and police surrounded the National Assembly.
December 4, 2024
The National Assembly, led by Speaker Woo Won Shik, responded with “constitutional procedure,” unanimously voting to lift martial law. Troops withdrew, and martial law was formally lifted early that morning.
December 7-14, 2024
Yoon survived an impeachment vote, while Defense Minister Kim was detained. Yoon was banned from traveling as investigations expanded. The National Assembly impeached Yoon, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assumed leadership.
January 15, 2025
Yoon was detained by anti-corruption investigators and police after a raid on the presidential compound.
January 19, 2025
An arrest warrant was issued for Yoon, leading to riots by his supporters. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office charged Yoon with attempting to seize legislative and election offices.
March 7 – April 4, 2025
Yoon was released from detention due to unresolved authority questions. The Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s impeachment, prompting an election set for June 3.
June 3, 2025
Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae Myung was elected as the new president of South Korea.
Subsequent Developments
Yoon faced numerous accusations, including ordering drone flights over North Korea. His wife, Kim Keon Hee, and former Prime Minister Han were also indicted on related charges.
January 13 – February 19, 2026
A special prosecutor sought the death penalty for Yoon, but he received a life sentence for rebellion. Other sentences were issued to his associates, including his wife and former ministers.
