Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for leading an insurrection after declaring martial law on December 3, 2024, which plunged the country into political chaos.

Armed soldiers attempted to storm the National Assembly, but lawmakers and citizens successfully blocked them, forcing Yoon to reverse course within six hours.

Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year sentence, while four other military and police officials were sentenced to 3–18 years for their roles.

Prosecutors said Yoon showed no remorse and posed a continuing threat to democracy, while his lawyers criticized procedural violations and vowed to appeal, CNN has reported.

Thursday’s verdict marks the first time in 30 years that South Korea has sentenced a former leader for insurrection, recalling the 1996 conviction of Chun Doo-hwan.