Former South Korean president sentenced to life in prison

February 20, 2026

TL;DR

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in prison for insurrection.
Yoon declared martial law in 2024, which prosecutors argued was an attempt to stay in power.
The court ruled that while martial law declaration itself wasn't insurrection, Yoon's actions to impede parliament made him guilty.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received 30 years, ex-National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho got 12 years, and ex-Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency chief Kim Bong-sik received 10 years.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was previously sentenced to 23 years for his role.
Yoon's martial law declaration was overturned by parliament within hours, with lawmakers convening despite blockades and soldiers refusing orders.

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