A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Seok-youl to life imprisonment for leading a rebellion, with substantial social damage attributed to his actions during the declaration of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court ruled that although Yoon's planning did not manifest as a detailed conspiracy and he exhibited restraint during incidents, the impact of his decisions was significant, warranting the lifetime sentence. Former Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was found to have actively collaborated in the preparation for the unlawful declaration of martial law, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Yoon Seok-youl and his associates were accused of instigating a riot aimed at undermining the Constitution by unlawfully declaring martial law, which included measures to occupy key political institutions and detaining major political figures without warrants. The Special Prosecutors' Team, which has been investigating the case, previously sought the death penalty for Yoon, reflecting the severity of the allegations and the legal repercussions that followed an unprecedented political crisis in South Korea.

This ruling comes over 444 days after the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, illustrating the long-running legal battles in the aftermath of this historic event. As the country grapples with the implications of this case, it raises significant questions about political accountability and the legal limits of executive power in South Korea, setting a precedent for future governance and political conduct.