Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of leading a coup attempt. The court's chief judge, Ji Gwi-yeon, condemned Yoon for declaring martial law in December 2024, which aimed to consolidate his power by prohibiting political activities and ordering military control over the parliament and election body. Although prosecutors sought the death penalty, Yoon received a lesser sentence, which he accepted with apparent calmness, even joking with his attorneys in the courtroom.

The court heard evidence that Yoon not only enacted martial law but also personally ordered the arrest of his political opponent, current President Lee Jae-myung. This move, coupled with the violent suppression of parliamentary proceedings, was deemed a serious affront to South Korea's democratic principles. The fallout from this case has implications for political stability in the region, as it highlights the tensions between the government and political opposition.

Yoon's actions are seen as a significant threat to the democratic framework of South Korea, and the ruling may set a precedent for future governance and accountability for those in high office. As the public and political stakeholders react to the verdict, the case could serve as a turning point in the nation's approach to political dissent and governance, shaping the future political landscape of South Korea.