The Seoul Central District Court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk-yeol to life imprisonment for his actions during a state of emergency declared on December 3, 2024, which the court ruled constituted an insurrection against the Constitution. The court emphasized that Yoon’s declaration of a state of emergency was not merely a procedural matter but a deliberate act intended to obstruct the functions of constitutional institutions, thereby fulfilling the criteria for insurrection as defined by law. This ruling represents a significant assertion of the rule of law in response to actions perceived as threatening democracy.

During the trial, the court highlighted that Yoon's intent to paralyze legislative functions by sending military forces into the National Assembly was a core element of the allegations against him. The evidence presented showed that Yoon, alongside former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, had coordinated and executed plans that sought to undermine the democratic process through violent means, which the court identified as unacceptable violations against democracy. The judges noted that such actions could not be seen lightly, given their implications for political stability and public trust in government.

Furthermore, the prosecutor's office has indicated a strong sense of disappointment regarding the initial sentencing decision, implying that it may not adequately address the severity of the crimes committed. Yoon's legal team has dismissed the ruling as a mere formality, suggesting a lack of engagement with the legal process. This case not only marks a significant chapter in South Korea's legal history but also reflects ongoing societal tensions regarding governance and the accountability of former leaders. As such, it prompts a deeper examination of the mechanisms of democracy and rule of law in contemporary South Korea.