Political situation in South Korea

South Korea's former president gets life in prison for attempted coup

South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-Yeol has been sentenced to life in prison for declaring a state of emergency in the country in December 2024, several media outlets report. The prosecutor had requested the death penalty.

According to the court, Yoon declared a state of emergency in a deliberate attempt to "paralyze" the country's government. He is convicted of leading a rebellion with the aim of undermining the constitution and of abuse of power.

Yoon was sentenced earlier this year to five years in prison for other crimes related to the attempted coup. Two more trials against him remain.

Yoon's defense minister, Kim Yong-Hyun, has also been sentenced to 30 years in prison for involvement in the attempted coup. 

Yoon emotionless in court – likely to appeal

South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-Yeol, accused of a coup, showed no emotion when the life sentence against him was read out in the courtroom on Thursday, reports the BBC's South Korea correspondent Jake Kwon.

It was different outside the court, where thousands of Yoon supporters gathered to show their support for him.

- Korea is in chaos! shouted the crowd after the verdict was handed down.

The BBC notes that South Korea is a "deeply divided" country.

Yoon was sentenced to life in prison for declaring martial law in December 2024. According to the BBC, it is likely that Yoon's lawyer will appeal the verdict.

The attempted coup in South Korea – this has happened

December 3, 2024: South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declares martial law, citing the need to protect the country from the opposition, leading to military control of the media and politics.

December 4, 2024: The country's opposition files an impeachment motion against President Yoon, and parliament votes to lift the martial law. 

December 14, 2024: President Yoon is suspended from his duties after the opposition successfully impeached him. A court will decide his future. 

Januari 1, 2025: Corruption investigators warn that anyone who tries to stop Yoon's arrest risks prosecution. Supporters and opponents gather at his residence. 

January 3, 2025: Police try to arrest Yoon at his residence but are stopped by military personnel and thousands of supporters. Yoon is suspected of rebellion and abuse of power. 

April 4, 2025: The Constitutional Court removes Yoon Suk-Yeol from office after he violated the law by declaring a state of emergency. 

Juni 4, 2025: Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung wins the presidential election and takes office immediately after Yoon's removal. 

Februari 19, 2026:  Yoon Suk-Yeol is sentenced to life in prison for attempted coup and abuse of power.