‘Fight not over’: South Korea’s Yoon remains defiant after life sentence
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
South Korean former president Yoon Suk-yeol has shown unwavering defiance after being sentenced to life imprisonment for rebellion following his failed 2024 power grab. In a statement released by his lawyers, Yoon insisted that his brief declaration of martial law was intended solely for the nation's sake and criticized the Seoul Central District Court as biased against him. This comes amid ongoing political turmoil, with Yoon maintaining his refusal to apologize for the social unrest caused by the emergency measures.
Yoon's legal troubles began after he barricaded himself in the presidential residence during a political crisis triggered by his attempted power consolidation. He has consistently rejected the eight criminal cases filed against him, including charges of coup attempt and rebellion. Throughout the trial, Yoon has shown little cooperation, skipping court appearances and clashing with investigators and witnesses when he did attend.
In handing down the life sentence, Judge Jee Kui-youn highlighted Yoon's lack of remorse for the societal disruption caused by the martial law and his repeated absence from court without justification. The judge emphasized that Yoon's actions had severely destabilized the country, underscoring the gravity of his defiance.
This case holds significant implications for South Korea's political landscape, as it addresses the challenges of holding former leaders accountable for attempted coups and acts of rebellion. The verdict also raises questions about the long-term stability of the nation's democratic institutions and its ability to address similar crises in the future. As Yoon continues to reject responsibility, his case remains a defining moment in South Korea's modern history, with broader implications for governance and accountability in the region.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026