Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced for Martial Law Crisis

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for imposing martial law in 2024. Accused of rebellion for attempting to seize control of the National Assembly, Yoon's decree was lifted within six hours following lawmakers' opposition. His appeal prospects remain uncertain.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his 2024 declaration of martial law, marking a dramatic resolution to one of the nation's most significant political crises.

The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of rebellion after he mobilized military forces to encircle the National Assembly in an attempt to solidify power, citing threats to democracy by opposition control. The controversial decree, likened to South Korea's past dictatorial actions, was revoked six hours later when lawmakers thwarted the measure.

Despite legal pushback by Yoon's attorneys who claim bias in the verdict, the decision further implicated prominent military and police officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who received a 30-year sentence. The fallout continues to reverberate in South Korea's political landscape, as debates about democratic safeguards persist.

(With inputs from agencies.)