Yoon Suk Yeol became the first sitting president in South Korean history to face an arrest warrant following his attempt to declare martial law on 3 December 2024. This action marked a culmination of a volatile political tenure that began with his 2022 election victory and ended with a life sentence for insurrection in 2026.
Legal Background and Early Career
Born in 1960 in the Seongbuk District of Seoul, Yoon pursued a legal education at Seoul National University, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees. He passed the bar exam in 1991 after several attempts and began his prosecutorial work at the Daegu Public Prosecutor's Office in 1994. Throughout his career, he focused on corruption-related cases, eventually rising to become the Prosecutor General of South Korea between 2019 and 2021.
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After high-profile investigations into former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, Yoon gained prominence as a conservative figure. Joining the People Power Party, he centered his 2022 presidential platform on economic deregulation and a hawkish stance toward North Korea. He narrowly defeated Lee Jae Myung in March 2022 and took office in May, becoming the first South Korean president born after the Korean War.
Martial Law and Impeachment
In December 2024, Yoon attempted to invoke martial law, accusing the National Assembly of supporting North Korea. The Assembly nullified the order within hours, triggering an impeachment process. Yoon was suspended from presidential duties later that month. In April 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment, officially ending his presidency. He was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for insurrection.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Seongbuk District
- Education: Seoul National University
- President of South Korea: 2022-2025
- Prosecutor General: 2019-2021
- Political Party: People Power Party
- Religion: Catholicism
- Languages: Korean
- Sentenced: February 2026
Questions readers ask
Why was Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office?
The National Assembly impeached him following his unsuccessful declaration of martial law in December 2024, an act later ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
Where is Yoon Suk Yeol currently held?
He is serving a life sentence at the Seoul Detention Center.
Achievements
- Prosecutor General of South Korea (2019–2021)
- President of South Korea (2022–2025)
- Order of Merit for National Foundation
- Order of the White Eagle
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Educated at Chungam High School and Seoul National University
