South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol has been jailed for life for masterminding an insurrection by trying to impose military rule.

Yoon attempted to subvert the constitution by deploying military troops to seal off the National Assembly and ordering the arrest of politicians on 3 December 2024, a Seoul court ruled. His actions fundamentally damaged South Korea’s democracy and deserves a harsh punishment, presiding judge Ji Gwi-yeon told the court.

Though it was short-lived, Yoon’s martial law order left the nation more polarised than ever, and those deep divisions were on full display as the sentencing took place.

Also present were anti-Yoon protesters, rallying for him to be sentenced to death.

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