ISTANBUL
Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea's deposed former president, was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for leading an insurrection in his attempt to impose martial law on a wintry night in December 2024.
His impeachment mirrors that of former President Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office following her impeachment in 2017.
The Seoul court's ruling was for the most serious charge brought against Yoon, who still faces six more trials and is expected to file an appeal over his decision to impose martial law 14 months ago.
Here is a timeline of events since Dec. 3, 2024
Martial law night
Dec. 3 – President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law in a late-night televised address, accusing the then-opposition Democratic Party of Korea of anti-state activities and alleged collaboration with North Korea.
Dec. 3/4 – In a midnight rush to parliament, 190 lawmakers vote unanimously to lift martial law. Armed troops and helicopters attempt to block their entry into the National Assembly building, while protesters clash with security forces outside.The martial order is revoked within six hours after the parliament's decision.
Dec. 7 – Yoon issues a public apology, explaining the declaration as an act of governance aimed at "protecting" the state. In his declaration of martial law, he claims to "root out anti-state forces" and accuses the election commission of interference but provides no evidence.
Dec. 14 – Parliament impeaches Yoon, suspending him from office. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun is arrested for his role in the martial law order and later attempts suicide while in detention.
Dec. 27 – Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, serving as acting president, is also impeached.
January 2025 – Arrest and indictment
Jan. 15 – Yoon is arrested, after initial attempts to block it.
Jan. 26 – He is indicted on charges of leading an insurrection.
March 2025 – Acting president reinstated
March 24 – The Constitutional Court of Korea overturns Han Duck-soo’s impeachment, reinstating him as acting president.
April 2025 – Removal from office
April 4 – The Constitutional Court unanimously upholds Yoon’s impeachment, formally removing him from office over the martial law declaration. It triggers a snap presidential election.
June 3 – Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party wins a landslide victory in the presidential elections to succeed Yoon. His party holds the majority of seats in parliament.
2026 – Conviction and sentencing
Jan. 16 – In one of his eight cases, Yoon is sentenced to five years in prison for obstructing investigators' attempts to arrest him.
Feb. 19 – Seoul Central District Court finds Yoon guilty of insurrection and sentences him to life in prison. Kim Yong-hyun, his defense chief, receives a 30-year sentence.