Court Sentences Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to Life in Prison for Martial Law Attempt

On February 19, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment for leading a coup attempt through a martial law declaration in 2024. Yoon was accused of mobilizing military and police forces to surround the National Assembly, with the aim of preventing parliament members from voting against the martial law order. He was also alleged to have planned to arrest the National Assembly speaker and leaders of government and opposition parties. During the final trial in January, special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk requested the death penalty, arguing that Yoon's actions severely misused national resources. Yoon maintained his innocence, claiming his actions were an attempt to protect freedom, sovereignty, and constitutional order.