Coup-out?

Why former president's sentence left few happy

- By Raphael Rashid SEOUL

Last Thursday, former president Yoon Suk Yeol was found guilty of leading an insurrection and sentenced to life imprisonment with labour over his failed martial law declaration in December 2024.

When he received his sentence, hundreds of his opponents cheered outside the court. But the mood quickly shifted to disappointment and anger. So why are so many people unhappy?

What has the reaction been to Yoon’s sentencing?

Many South Koreans see Yoon’s sentence as dangerously lenient.

A Gwangju civic coalition called the life term “a failure to deliver even minimal justice”. Other South Korean human rights groups, civic groups, labour unions and political parties also issued statements expressing dismay.

Democratic party leader Jung Chung-rae, who had prepared a speech celebrating a death sentence, said the verdict was “a clear retreat” from the citizens’ movement that stopped the December 2024 martial law attempt.

International human rights groups opposed the death penalty for Yoon, while acknowledging the gravity of the charges.

Why are people upset about the punishment?