20.02.2026 – (12:01 PM)

A South Korean court convicted former President Yoon Seok-yo of leading a treasonous campaign by declaring martial law in 2024 and sentenced her to life in prison on February 19.

In a televised speech in December 2024, Yoon abruptly declared martial law, saying that strong measures were needed to root out anti-state forces in South Korea’s National Assembly.

Yoon, a hard-line conservative, was later removed from office and arrested, facing charges ranging from treason to obstruction of justice.

Judge Ji-gyu-yeon said Yoon sent the military into the parliament building with the aim of silencing political opponents who were obstructing his administration’s efforts.

“The court finds that the intention was to temporarily suspend the activities of the National Assembly,” Ji said at the Seoul Central District Court.

“The declaration of martial law has caused great social damage, and it is difficult to see any sign of remorse from the defendant,” the judge said.

“Therefore, Yoon is sentenced to life imprisonment,” he ruled.

Before the verdict, thousands of supporters gathered outside the courthouse, holding signs that read “Yoon Great Again” or “Reject the charges against President Yoon.”

Loud cheers erupted as the blue prison bus believed to be carrying Yoon entered the courthouse.

A large number of police officers were stationed outside the courthouse to quell any unrest that might arise from the verdict.

They lined up police buses around the courthouse, setting up temporary barriers.

South Korea has long been seen as a beacon of stable democracy in Asia, but Yoon’s failed attempt to seize power has stirred up unpleasant memories of the military coups that rocked the country in the 1960s and 1980s. Yoon is being held in solitary confinement while facing multiple criminal charges.

Yoon has consistently denied any wrongdoing, saying he acted to protect freedom from opposition activities and restore constitutional order in what he calls a legislative dictatorship.