Yoon Suk-yeol, the former president of South Korea, was found guilty of attempting a coup and abusing his power during his tenure. The charges stem from an unexpected emergency declaration he made on December 3, 2024, when his party faced a minority in the National Assembly. Claiming the necessity to combat 'anti-state forces', Yoon's actions triggered significant public unrest, leading to large-scale protests in Seoul and a swift parliamentary response that nullified the emergency measures he had enacted.

The coup attempt lasted a mere six hours before the assembly restored its authority, but it marked a tumultuous period in South Korean politics. Following these events, Yoon was impeached in January 2025. His administration's controversies did not stop there; his wife, Kim Keon Hee, also received a prison sentence for corruption, and several members of his government were similarly punished for their involvement in the events surrounding the emergency declaration. Yoon maintains that his actions were peaceful attempts to clarify the situation regarding the opposition party, despite the backlash and legal repercussions.

With sentencing now imminent, Yoon's case dominates headlines in South Korea, reflecting heightened tensions between political factions and public sentiment regarding government accountability. The implications of this ruling may extend beyond Yoon himself, potentially shaping policies and public trust in the South Korean government for years to come.