Archive photo. Former Minister of Defense of South Korea Kim Yong-hen was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the coup
The court found Kim guilty of participating in the coup that occurred amid the declaration of martial law announced by former President Yoon Seok-yeol in December 2024.
After the declaration of martial law, Kim took responsibility for the situation.
Previously, former President Yoon Seok-yeol was sentenced to five years for attempting to obstruct an arrest.
It is worth noting that on December 4, 2024, Yoon Seok-yeol announced the introduction of martial law to "cleanse the country of pro-North Korean forces and preserve the liberal constitutional order."
In response, special forces were sent to the National Assembly. Attempts to block access to the parliament building were unsuccessful, as many lawmakers managed to get inside. Their supporters obstructed the military's passage, and 190 out of 300 legislators unanimously adopted a resolution demanding the cancellation of martial law.
Later, Yoon Seok-yeol apologized for the imposition of martial law and assured that he would not resort to such measures again, nor would he evade political and legal responsibility.
The South Korean opposition accused the president and Minister of Defense Kim Yong-hen, as well as Minister of Interior and Security Lee Sang-min and other high-ranking officials of attempting a coup. On December 14, the country's parliament supported the impeachment of Yoon Seok-yeol.
As a result, early elections were scheduled.
