Former South Korean President Yoon Sentenced to Life for 'Self-Coup' Attempt

Former South Korean President Yoon has been sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding an insurrection. The verdict, delivered on February 19, 2026, at the Seoul Central District Court, reduced the prosecution's requested death penalty, causing significant shock both domestically and internationally.

According to the ruling, former President Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, citing threats from North Korea and "anti-state forces" as reasons to dispatch the military to the National Assembly and attempt to ban political activities. This act was deemed an illegal imposition of martial law, violating the requirements and procedures stipulated in Article 77 of the Constitution, and was consequently recognized as an act of masterminding an insurrection. This incident has been described as a "self-coup" or "presidential coup."

The prosecution had initially sought the death penalty for former President Yoon. However, the court reportedly handed down a life sentence, taking into consideration factors such as the lack of meticulousness in the plan and the military's absence of live ammunition.

This historic verdict has drawn various reactions on social media. Many comments expressed shock, such as "A death penalty request is too shocking" and "Korean politics truly resembles a drama." Others reflected on South Korea's political history, noting that "many former presidents have faced tragedies like arrest, impeachment, suicide, or assassination after leaving office," leading to observations that "the presidency is a life-threatening profession."

Conversely, some observers lauded the verdict, stating that "South Korea's judiciary swiftly and strictly holds politicians accountable," drawing comparisons to Japan's political landscape. However, a more cynical view also emerged from some, suggesting that "he will eventually have his sentence reduced and be released" or "he might be pardoned by the next conservative government."

This verdict is expected to cause significant turmoil in South Korean politics, and international attention is now focused on the future political climate and its potential impact on Japan-South Korea relations.

The context

South Korea has a turbulent political history, marked by periods of military rule, democratic transitions, and a recurring pattern of former presidents facing legal challenges, imprisonment, or even tragic ends after leaving office. This includes figures like Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, who were convicted of treason and corruption. The constitutional article mentioned, Article 77, specifically outlines the conditions and procedures for declaring martial law, a measure designed to be used only in extreme national emergencies and under strict parliamentary oversight. A 'self-coup' or 'presidential coup' refers to an incumbent leader attempting to seize or consolidate power unconstitutionally, often by circumventing democratic processes or using state apparatus like the military. The societal reactions, including calls for strict accountability and cynical predictions of future pardons, reflect a deep-seated public awareness of these historical precedents and ongoing concerns about political corruption and power abuse in the country.