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...