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South Korean ex-President Yoon gets life for insurrection

Lara Babalola
February 19, 2026

A judge said Yoon was guilty of rebellion for mobilizing military forces in December 2024. Yoon's martial law declaration lasted just six hours but set in motion South Korea's biggest political crisis in decades.

https://p.dw.com/p/593OF

South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol was found guilty of rebellion and sentenced to life in prison, sparking anger from both supporters and critics. Pro‑Yoon groups, inspired by US "Stop the Steal" rhetoric, rejected the ruling, while opponents called the sentence too lenient. The case stems from Yoon’s 2024 martial law declaration, which led to impeachment and arrest. With six more trials ahead, the political crisis remains unresolved.