Seoul, South Korea — A former South Korean leader faces life imprisonment after being convicted of insurrection by the Seoul Central District Court on February 19, 2026. Yoon Suk Yeol, who led the country from 2022 until his impeachment, was found guilty of deploying military forces in an attempt to stifle opposition, an act the court deemed a grave violation of the constitution.
Judge Ji Gwi-yeon delivered the verdict during a session that captured nationwide attention, prompting crowds to gather outside the courthouse. As supporters and opponents of Yoon expressed their views, the courtroom proceedings underscored a deepening political divide in the country.
The charges stemmed from Yoon’s controversial martial law proclamation on December 3, 2024, marking the first such declaration in South Korea in over four decades. During a late-night address, Yoon accused the opposition Democratic Party of conspiring with North Korean forces and portrayed them as a threat to national security. However, the martial law lasted only six hours after lawmakers, including members from his party, rallied to reject the order.
Yoon’s rule came to a dramatic halt when Parliament impeached him on December 14, 2024. The Constitutional Court subsequently ruled in April 2025 that his martial law declaration severely undermined democratic processes, making Yoon the first sitting president to be detained on charges related to insurrection. He was arrested in January 2025, released briefly, and then re-arrested later that July, where he remained through his trial.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, citing a year-long plan by Yoon to implement martial law, which involved strategically placing military leaders in key positions. They described his lack of remorse and refusal to accept responsibility as aggravating factors. In his final remarks, Yoon denied all allegations, insisting that his actions were appropriate within the scope of presidential authority. Despite a longstanding moratorium on capital punishment in South Korea since 1997, the court opted for a life sentence in place of execution.
Alongside Yoon, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year sentence for his role in the insurrection. Additionally, four former military and police officials received sentences ranging from three to 18 years. In a separate ruling, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years, marking a significant legal fallout for members of Yoon’s administration.
This recent conviction adds to a growing list of legal troubles for Yoon. Earlier in January 2026, he was sentenced to five years for resisting arrest and for manipulating the declaration of martial law. His legal team announced intentions to appeal that verdict, while Yoon still faces six ongoing criminal proceedings, including serious allegations of inciting conflict with North Korea through drone strikes.
Adding to the controversy, Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for receiving luxurious gifts from Unification Church representatives in exchange for political favors. Although she was acquitted of more serious allegations related to stock manipulation, prosecutors are appealing the decision.
Following Yoon’s downfall, Lee Jae Myung won a snap election in June 2025 and took office, pledging to conduct thorough investigations into Yoon and his associates. His administration appointed independent counsels to delve into corruption allegations, leading to charges against over 120 individuals from political and military spheres. In a brief statement after the court’s ruling, President Lee expressed confidence in the judiciary’s commitment to justice and accountability. As Yoon prepares to appeal his life sentence, his ongoing legal battles continue to unfold.