Yoon Sentenced
Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in jail
Yoon Suk Yeol / Seoul, South Korea / Seoul Central District Court /

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Last Updated
2/21/2026
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163
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The Breakdown 72

  • Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for leading an insurrection through his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, a move that involved deploying troops to surround the National Assembly.
  • The unprecedented ruling by the Seoul Central District Court reflects a significant stance against the abuse of power, marking the most severe punishment ever imposed on a former head of state in modern South Korean history.
  • Yoon's martial law declaration, aimed at quelling opposition to his administration, ultimately led to his impeachment and removal from office, raising serious concerns about the integrity of South Korea's democracy.
  • Prosecutors sought the death penalty, underscoring the gravity of the charges, but the court settled on life imprisonment to uphold democratic principles and restore public trust in the judicial system.
  • The ruling also implicated five former military and police officials, highlighting the widespread ramifications of Yoon's actions across the nation's political landscape.
  • As political tensions escalate, Yoon's case serves as a pivotal reminder of the delicate balance between authority and democracy, sparking ongoing debates about power dynamics in South Korea.

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Yoon Suk Yeol / Kim Yong Hyun / Seoul, South Korea / Seoul Central District Court /

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