Ex-South Korean President Yoon Gets Life for 2024 Insurrection
In a landmark ruling that marks the culmination of South Korea's most significant political crisis in decades, former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for rebellion and insurrection. The Seoul Central District Court found the 65-year-old leader guilty of orchestrating a short-lived but dramatic power grab on December 3, 2024, when he imposed martial law and deployed troops to surround the National Assembly. Judge Jee Kui-youn stated that Yoon had mobilized military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the liberal-led legislature, arrest political opponents, and establish unchecked executive power. The verdict follows Yoon's ousting from office after what sources described as a 'baffling' and 'ill-advised' move to overcome an opposition-controlled parliament. The failed attempt plunged the Asian democracy into profound political turmoil, threatening to unravel decades of democratic progress. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty during hearings in January, but the court ultimately handed down a life sentence. This ruling builds upon a prior five-year obstruction sentence Yoon had already received. The case also ensnared key members of Yoon's administration. His former interior minister, Lee Sang-min, was sentenced to seven years in jail for his role in the event. As reported by the BBC, a former lieutenant general expressed no surprise at the guilty verdict, highlighting the gravity of the constitutional breach. The sentencing sends a powerful message about the strength of South Korea's democratic institutions and the accountability of its highest leaders.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
South Korea's former president found guilty of rebellion and given life sentence over martial law | AP News
Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz ... 2026 Elections Election Results White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game Early voting tracker ... Exclusive insights and key stories from the world of politics.
Former South Korean President Yoon gets life sentence for rebellion, imposing martial law - CBS News
Seoul, South Korea — Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for his brief imposition of martial law in a dramatic culmination to the country's biggest political crisis in decades. Yoon fell from office after an ill-advised attempt to overcome an opposition-controlled legislature by declaring martial law and sending troops to surround the legislature on Dec. 3, 2024. Judge Jee Kui-youn said he found Yoon guilty of rebellion ...
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. Judge Jee Kui-youn said he found Yoon guilty of rebellion for mobilizing military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the liberal-led ...
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol gets life sentence over martial law attempt
Yoon was jailed for life over his 2024 martial law declaration. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty during the January hearing. The latest ruling followed a prior five-year obstruction sentence. SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - APRIL 21: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives for his ...
Yoon Suk Yeol: Former South Korean President handed life sentence for leading insurrection | CNN
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison Thursday after a court found him guilty of leading an insurrection during his short-lived imposition of martial law, which plunged the country into political chaos and threatened to unravel decades of democracy.
Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea’s ex-president jailed for life for masterminding an insurrection - BBC News
Han was the first member of Yoon’s ... the 2024 martial law attempt, followed by former interior minister Lee Sang-min, who was sentenced to seven years in jail. ... Yoon Suk Yeol supporters sttanding outside the court in Seoul in tears after the verdict is read out ... A former South Korean lieutenant general says that he is not surprised that ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol has been found guilty of insurrection today. Speaking to the BBC's Newsday, Chun In-Bum ...
Fact Checks
Related news
Gaza Famine Claims Eased But Crisis Remains Severe Amid Ongoing Conflict
The situation in Gaza has shown signs of improvement regarding food insecurity, with the world’s leading authority confirming that famine conditions have ended in parts of the territory. This reduction is attributed to decreased fighting and increased aid access, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Despite these positive developments, monitoring organizations caution that the crisis is far from resolved. Experts warn that most families still lack adequate food, and two-thirds of Gazans may face acute hunger by the end of the year. The gains are deemed fragile, as high prices, aid uncertainty, and persistent hostilities continue to keep the enclave in a state of severe crisis.
US-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid Strikes, Threats, and Intelligence Tensions
The United States has launched a fresh barrage of strikes against Iran, leading to heightened tensions and political debate over military action. President Trump has warned of a major escalation as the conflict stretches into its thirteenth night, while Republican hawks urge him to unleash major combat operations. This renewed bombing campaign has occurred amid concerns over intelligence cooperation between the US and Iran, with Iranian officials warning that they will hold accountable any state aiding the United States in attacks. Furthermore, US forces are deploying drones against targets, and the US has indicated that damages to shipping could be covered using Iranian assets.
Nicaragua Parliament Moves to Abolish Elections Following Ortega's Ban
Nicaragua's parliament has moved to abolish elections, following President Daniel Ortega's decree that there would be no further electoral processes. This legislative action is intended to codify the decision and ensure the country's 'peace, security and stability,' reflecting Ortega's effort to extend his nearly two-decade rule and eliminate opposition chances. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from the international community. The United States accused Ortega of leading a dictatorship, while UN rights officials urged for the restoration of freedoms and the rule of law. Critics compare Ortega's actions to those of world strongmen, raising questions about why major powers are not responding with similar pressure.
Record Heat Wave Costs UK Economy Over $1.5 Billion and Strains European Infrastructure
A recent record-breaking heat wave across Europe has resulted in significant economic damage, with studies estimating the cost to the UK economy alone at over $1.5 billion. This financial toll includes lost working hours and highlights the urgent need for investment in climate adaptation measures. Beyond the financial impact, the extreme temperatures have strained critical infrastructure, pushing power plants to their limits and causing ecological damage, such as the death of certain trees. Furthermore, experts warn that the heat wave exposes systemic issues, including fragmented EU capital markets hindering energy transition financing and rising insurance costs that necessitate greater government intervention to protect consumers.
FIFA World Cup 2030 Set for Expansion and Six Host Nations
The FIFA World Cup 2030 is set to feature significant structural changes, including an expansion from 48 to 64 teams. This historic tournament will be hosted across six nations spanning three continents, according to official announcements and statements from football authorities. Reports indicate that this change has already been discussed publicly, with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez reportedly 'leaking' the proposal. Furthermore, specific nations like Portugal, Spain, and Morocco have been mentioned as potential hosts for the event. RTÉ has secured free-to-air broadcasting rights for the tournament, which will be hosted across Spain.
Victims Demand Restitution from Iran in Peace Deal Negotiations
A coalition of victims impacted by Iranian-sponsored terrorism has publicly urged the U.S. government, including President Trump and Congress, to mandate that Iran provide restitution before any financial agreements are finalized. These victims and their representatives have demanded that Iran pay reparations, emphasizing that funds must be returned or unfrozen before any peace deal is considered. The group also called for the administration to refill empty compensation funds with Iran's money, referencing agreements like the June 17 MOU.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.