"It is difficult to accept the argument that deploying soldiers to the National Assembly constitutes an act of rebellion," former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol, 65, stated on 20/2 in a statement released by his legal team.
This marks the first time Yoon has spoken since the Seoul Central District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment on 19/2. The court found Yoon guilty of illegally mobilizing the military and police in an "unlawful attempt to seize the National Assembly, arrest politicians, and establish absolute power for an extended period" when he declared martial law in 12/2024.
"My judgment and decision to declare martial law on 3/12 were entirely for the country and its people," Yoon said. "I offer my deepest apologies to the people for the distress and hardship I caused due to my shortcomings, even though my desire was to save the country."
The former president also believes an appeal would be futile, arguing that the current judiciary lacks independence. Previously, his legal team stated they would decide whether to appeal after consulting with their client.
 |
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol during his trial at the Seoul Central District Court on 16/1. *Photo: Yonhap*
When declaring martial law, Yoon cited a "threat from North Korea," calling the South Korean National Assembly a "den of criminals" and an "anti-state force." He deployed armed soldiers to the National Assembly headquarters to prevent lawmakers from voting to block the martial law decree, but the effort failed.
Former president Yoon was arrested during a raid on his residence in 1/2025 and impeached three months later. He defended the martial law order, arguing it was necessary to prevent progressive factions, whom he described as "treasonous forces," from using their parliamentary majority to obstruct his agenda.
Typically, most prisoners serving life sentences can apply for parole after 20 years.
The special prosecution team, led by Cho Eun-suk, had sought the death penalty for Yoon. They stated they would appeal to increase the sentence. South Korea has not carried out the death penalty in decades.
