February 19, New Delhi: A South Korean court on Thursday convicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol of abuse of power and orchestrating an insurrection, sentencing him to life in prison. The case stems from Yoon’s abrupt declaration of martial law in December 2024, when he claimed that drastic measures were needed to eliminate "anti-state forces."
The verdict drew widespread attention in a deeply divided nation, with supporters of Yoon gathering near the Seoul Central District Court. The insurrection case is the most consequential for the ousted leader, whose attempt at emergency rule triggered a national political crisis and tested South Korea’s democratic institutions.
Alongside Yoon, former Defence Minister Kim was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Under South Korean law, orchestrating an insurrection carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.
