South Korea’s Ex-President Yoon Apologizes After Receiving Life Sentence

Post by : Saif

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized to the public after being sentenced to life in prison. The ruling came from the Seoul Central District Court, which found him guilty of leading an insurrection linked to his declaration of martial law in December 2024.

In a statement released through his lawyers, Yoon said he was sorry for the “frustration and hardship” caused by his decision. However, he defended his intentions. He said his actions were meant to protect the country and were made with sincerity.

The court ruled that Yoon’s order to declare martial law and deploy troops to the National Assembly was an attempt to weaken the constitutional order. His declaration lasted about six hours before lawmakers voted it down. Still, the move shocked the nation and led to protests in the streets of Seoul.

Yoon, who once worked as a top prosecutor before entering politics, denied that he had committed a crime. He argued that he had the legal authority as president to declare martial law. He claimed the move was meant to respond to what he saw as obstruction by opposition parties.

The court did not accept this argument. Judges said the deployment of troops and efforts to detain political opponents crossed a legal line. As a result, Yoon was removed from office and later arrested.

A special prosecutor had asked the court to consider the death penalty. However, South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997. Instead, the court handed down a life sentence.

Yoon described the verdict as “predetermined” and called it political retaliation. He questioned whether the judicial system was fully independent. At the same time, his lawyers said he has not given up his right to appeal the decision.

The case has deeply divided South Korea. Some citizens believe the court’s decision shows that no leader is above the law. Others believe the punishment is too harsh and politically motivated.

South Korea is a strong democracy with a history of holding powerful leaders accountable. In recent decades, several former presidents have faced legal trouble after leaving office. This case adds another chapter to that history.

The events surrounding Yoon’s martial law declaration will likely shape South Korea’s political future for years to come. It also sends a message about the limits of presidential power in a democratic system.

As the country moves forward, many hope the focus will return to stability, unity, and respect for the rule of law. The coming months will show whether Yoon appeals the sentence and how the political climate continues to evolve.

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