Yoon Suk Yeol Stands Defiant: Life Imprisonment for Leading 2024 Rebellion

Ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol remained defiant on February 20, 2026, following his sentencing to life imprisonment by the Seoul Central District Court for leading a rebellion tied to his short-lived declaration of martial law in December 2024.

In a statement released through his lawyers, Yoon rejected the verdict as biased and politically motivated, insisting that his martial law decree was enacted "solely for the sake of the nation and our people." He expressed deep skepticism about the judiciary's independence, suggesting that continuing an appeal might not be meaningful under the circumstances. Yoon, aged 65 and detained since July 2025, also conveyed sympathy for soldiers, police, and public servants implicated in the case, accepting responsibility for their hardships.

The court convicted Yoon of orchestrating a rebellion by mobilizing military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize control of the liberal-led National Assembly, arrest political opponents, and establish unchecked authority for an extended period. The judge emphasized that the actions threatened constitutional order, though no casualties resulted from the poorly executed plan. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, arguing the move endangered democracy, but the life sentence reflected the absence of violence and broader legal considerations.

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This landmark ruling marks a significant milestone in South Korea's democratic accountability, as it is the first time in decades a former president has been sentenced for insurrection. The martial law attempt in late 2024 triggered massive protests, rapid parliamentary reversal, Yoon's impeachment, and his eventual removal from office. It stemmed from Yoon's conservative stance against what he described as "anti-state" liberal forces obstructing his agenda amid legislative gridlock.

The verdict follows related convictions, including a five-year sentence for Yoon last month on charges like resisting arrest and fabricating documents, as well as prison terms for former officials such as Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (23 years) and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min (seven years). Yoon has the option to appeal within seven days, though his statement indicated reluctance.

The case has polarized South Korean society, with supporters viewing it as political persecution and critics hailing it as proof that no one is above the law. International observers, including Amnesty International, described the outcome as a step toward accountability while noting ongoing concerns over human rights implications from the original martial law imposition. No immediate further developments from Yoon's legal team or government responses were reported following his defiant statement.

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