The former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the court on Thurday, February 19, 2026.
According to reports, Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment on February 19, by the Seoul Central District Court.
Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life by Seoul Court
The conviction stemmed from his role in declaring martial law on December 3, 2024.
An act deemed an insurrection aimed at imposing military rule.
Yoon’s short-lived martial law decree sparked national chaos, blocking parliament and ordering military actions against lawmakers.
Parliament swiftly overturned it, leading to his impeachment days later and removal from office.
Prosecutors sought the death penalty, but the court opted for life.
Citing Yoon’s age (65), no prior record, and lack of fatalities, despite his direct leadership and lack of remorse.
This marks his most severe penalty among eight ongoing trials.
The case echoes South Korea’s past dictatorships, with public protests and divided reactions following the verdict.
Yoon has prior sentences, including five years for related charges like document falsification.
Wahalaupdate reports close watched in a deeply divided country as prosecutors had sought the death penalty in the case.
Yoon’s Illegal Martial Law Undermined National Assembly, EC
Recall erlier January, source report that Yoon’s unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law undermined the function of the National Assembly and the Election Commission.
South Korea has last handed down a death sentence in 2016, but has not executed anyone since 1997.
According to the information, there was a strong police presence at the Seoul Central District Court, which is trying the case.
Police vehicles forming a security cordon around the building.
Yoon Ordered Troops to Storm Parliament, Court Rules
Also, dispatching soldiers and police to block, inspect, and control access to facilities such as the opposition party building.
Meanwhile, the 65-year-old Yoon has denied the charges.
The ousted former leader remains detained at the Seoul Detention Centre. He will likely stay there regardless of the ruling.
