SEOUL — Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol apologized Friday for the hardship caused by his 2024 martial law decree, one day after a court sentenced him to life in prison for insurrection.
The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday found Yoon guilty of leading an insurrection in December 2024 that sought to paralyze the National Assembly. Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon said Yoon deployed troops to the assembly building to silence political opponents and disrupt legislative functions.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Yoon said he “deeply apologize[d] to the people for the frustration and hardships” caused by what he described as his shortcomings. He said he imposed military rule “solely for the sake of the nation” but called the court’s verdict “difficult to accept.” He did not say whether he would appeal.
Yoon declared martial law in a late-night televised address on Dec. 3, 2024, citing threats of North Korean influence and “anti-state forces.” Lawmakers convened an emergency session and voted to lift the decree about six hours later.
Yoon, 65, is eligible to apply for parole under South Korean law after serving a minimum portion of his life sentence, typically 20 years.
