South Korean former defence minister sentenced to 30 years over martial law attempt

South Korean former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a central figure in the attempted martial law, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Reports indicate he ordered troops to “pull people inside the National Assembly building outside” during the chaotic events, Yonhap reports.

Other senior officials involved in the failed martial law bid received prison sentences as well. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was sentenced to 23 years, while former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min received seven years. Additional defendants included former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho and former Seoul Police chief Kim Bon-sik, who were sentenced to 12 and 10 years, respectively.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment on February 19 after being found guilty of leading an insurrection during his declaration of martial law in December 2024. The ruling was delivered by Seoul Central District Court Judge Jee Kui-youn and was broadcast live on major South Korean networks. The sentence was lighter than the death penalty sought by prosecutors at the final hearing in January.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law was overturned within three hours after 190 of 300 lawmakers convened and voted unanimously against it. Martial law was fully lifted about six hours after being announced. Eleven days later, Yoon was impeached and removed from office on April 4, 2025. The defendants have the right to appeal the rulings within a week.

Judge Jee stated that Yoon “led an insurrection and committed acts to subvert the country’s constitutional order.” The court added that Yoon “took the lead in planning the crime and involved a large number of people,” and noted it was “difficult to see any sign of remorse from the defendant, who also refused to appear in court.” Yoon had reportedly declined to appear for questioning last year.

During the final hearing, special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team argued that Yoon declared martial law “with the purpose of remaining in power for a long time by seizing the judiciary and legislature.” Yoon maintained that the declaration was within his constitutional authority and aimed to “safeguard freedom and sovereignty.”

On December 3, 2024, Yoon imposed South Korea’s first martial law in 44 years, claiming the opposition Democratic Party of Korea was engaging in “anti-state activities” and colluding with “North Korean communists.” Troops were deployed to the National Assembly, and clashes occurred between soldiers, police, and protesters. Television footage showed special forces breaking windows to gain entry, while parliamentary staff barricaded doors with furniture.

By Vafa Guliyeva