On Thursday, a South Korean court handed down a life sentence to former President Yoon Suk-yeol after finding him guilty of orchestrating a coup in connection with the state of emergency declared in December 2024. The court noted the significant social repercussions of the emergency declaration and highlighted Yoon's lack of remorse, as stated by presiding judge Chi Kwi-yong. The ruling marks a dramatic turn in South Korea's recent political history, encapsulating the intense public and judicial response to Yoon's controversial actions.

The emergency was declared on December 3, 2024, surprising the nation and international observers alike, marking the first such declaration since the 1980s. Yoon's decision sent troops and helicopters to the parliament, which was met with widespread criticism and ultimately led to massive protests across the country. The reaction from the public and lawmakers was swift, resulting in an overwhelming call for the rescindment of the emergency status, which Yoon complied with by the following morning.

Following this turmoil, on December 14, 2024, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, leading to his official removal from office in April 2025 by a constitutional court decision. This case reflects broader themes of political accountability in South Korea and signals a pivotal moment in the nation's effort to confront abuses of power by former leaders, highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic norms and the rule of law in society.