The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon’s deployment of troops to the National Assembly “paralyzed or limited” its function and constituted a violent uprising that disrupted the constitutional order. Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon said Yoon acted with the intent to subvert the Constitution, though there was insufficient evidence that he sought to extend his time in office.

The prosecution had sought the death penalty, claiming Yoon and co-conspirators tried to monopolize power while disregarding public suffering. Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun received a 30-year sentence for his role in dispatching military forces to shut down the legislature. Other officials received prison terms ranging from three to 18 years, including Gen. Cho Ji-ho, Noh Sang-won, Kim Bong-shik, and Mok Hyun-tae, for failing to resist Yoon’s orders.

Yoon initially declared a state of “emergency martial law” on December 3, 2024, citing threats from North Korea and alleging opposition forces sought to paralyze the government and protect left-wing leader Lee Jae-myung from election law charges. The National Assembly nevertheless convened, with some lawmakers climbing through windows to vote and nullify Yoon’s decree within six hours.

Judge Ji noted that martial law alone does not constitute insurrection, but the combination of restricting legislative and judicial authority with the use of military force qualified Yoon’s actions as such. The court drew historical parallels to King Charles I of England, executed for treason in 1649 for attacking a representative legislative body.

Protests erupted outside the courthouse, with anti-Yoon demonstrators demanding the death penalty while supporters waved South Korean and American flags. Some pro-Yoon supporters referenced “MKGA,” “Make Korea Great Again,” echoing U.S. President Donald Trump’s slogan. Many in Yoon’s camp criticized the trial as political theater, though they expressed hope for an appeal.

Yoon faces three additional trials related to martial law, including allegations of sending a military drone toward North Korea to provoke a confrontation that could justify emergency powers. While South Korean presidents historically receive pardons after short prison stints, the current administration under Lee Jae-myung may not extend similar leniency, according to analysts.