Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been given a life sentence for inciting an insurrection in his failed bid to impose martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court found that Yoon’s behavior, which included mobilizing troops to cripple the National Assembly, was a misuse of power, although it did not amount to an intention to create a permanent dictatorship. This historic ruling comes after Yoon was impeached and arrested, a first in South Korean history. Although the prosecution had demanded a death sentence, the judge said that Yoon’s lack of remorse was an important consideration in giving him a life sentence. Yoon’s lawyers have called the decision a “pre-written script” and are expected to appeal.