Early Life and Legal Career
Yoon Suk Yeol was born on December 18, 1960, in Seoul, South Korea. He studied law at Seoul National University and began his career as a prosecutor in 1994. Over the years, he built a reputation as a corruption fighter, notably leading investigations into major conglomerates and high-profile political figures. His tenacity earned him the nickname 'Sniper of the Prosecution Office.'
In 2019, President Moon Jae-in appointed Yoon as the Prosecutor General. However, tensions arose between Yoon and the Moon administration over reforms aimed at reducing prosecutorial power. Yoon resigned in 2021 and soon entered politics, joining the conservative People Power Party.
Election to the Presidency
Yoon Suk Yeol won the 2022 presidential election by a narrow margin, defeating the liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung. His campaign focused on rule of law, stronger ties with the United States, and a tough stance on North Korea. He took office on May 10, 2022, inheriting a nation grappling with economic inequality and a hostile neighbor to the north.
As president, Yoon pursued an ambitious foreign policy, forging closer alliances with Japan and the United States. He also took a hard line against North Korea, calling for 'overwhelming force' to deter provocations. Domestically, his approval ratings fluctuated amid controversies over his wife's alleged ethical violations and a perceived lack of communication with the public.
The Martial Law Declaration of December 2024
In a stunning move on December 3, 2024, President Yoon appeared on national television to declare martial law. He cited the need to 'purge hostile forces' threatening the state and to protect South Korea from 'pro-North Korean communist sympathizers.' The announcement sent shockwaves through the country, evoking memories of past military dictatorships.
Yoon ordered the military to seal off the National Assembly and arrest dozens of lawmakers from the opposition party. Troops in full combat gear stormed the parliament building, breaking windows and entering the chamber. Lawmakers managed to pass a resolution overturning the decree within hours, but the damage was done. The military withdrew, and Yoon was forced to lift martial law after just six hours.
Impeachment and Arrest
The National Assembly swiftly moved to impeach Yoon on December 14, 2024. He was suspended from his duties, and the Constitutional Court began deliberations. Meanwhile, prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into the martial law decree, charging Yoon with insurrection—a crime punishable by life imprisonment or death. On January 15, 2025, an arrest warrant was executed, making Yoon the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.
He was held at the Seoul Detention Center, while his supporters staged protests outside. The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment on April 4, 2025, formally removing him from office. Yoon's trial on insurrection charges began later that month.
Criminal Trials and Multiple Convictions
Yoon faced a series of separate trials for various aspects of his actions. In the first trial concerning the illegal sending of drones over North Korea to incite a conflict, he was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Prosecutors argued that he had intended to provoke a border clash to justify martial law. Another trial for obstruction of justice resulted in a 10-year sentence.
The most severe verdict came in the main insurrection trial. On September 26, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of leading a rebellion and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court stated that he had 'completely undermined the constitutional order' and that his actions constituted 'a grave threat to democracy.' Yoon immediately filed an appeal.
In a separate case related to his use of presidential security to avoid arrest, an appeals court increased his sentence from five to seven years. Legal experts noted that the cumulative sentences could effectively keep Yoon behind bars for the rest of his life.
Political Fallout and Legacy
The martial law crisis plunged South Korea into its worst political turmoil since the 1980s. The country's economy suffered, and international allies expressed concern. The early presidential election, triggered by Yoon's removal, resulted in a victory for Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader Yoon had once targeted. Lee promised to restore democratic institutions and pursue reconciliation.
Yoon's legacy is deeply polarizing. To his supporters, he was a patriot fighting against subversion and corruption. To his detractors, he was a power-hungry leader who betrayed the nation's hard-won democracy. His trial exposed deep divisions in South Korean society, with his conservative base believing he was a victim of a politically motivated judiciary. The violence that erupted after his life sentence, as supporters stormed a courthouse, underscored the fragility of the current political climate.
The international community watched the proceedings closely. Human rights organizations condemned the martial law attempt but praised the judicial process that held a former president accountable. South Korea's democratic institutions, while tested, ultimately prevailed—a fact that many saw as a vindication of the country's resilience.
As of early 2026, Yoon remains incarcerated, pursuing appeals that may take years. His wife, Kim Keon-hee, also faces separate legal issues, including a warrant for her arrest on corruption charges. The Yoon family's legal saga seems far from over, and its full impact on South Korean politics will likely be felt for decades.
Source: Le Figaro News