Former President Yoon Issues Apology After Martial‑Law Conviction on Feb 20, 2026
Updated (3 articles)
Conviction of Ex‑President Yoon for Martial‑Law Bid The Seoul court found former President Yoon Suk‑yeol guilty of attempting to impose martial law, a charge stemming from actions taken during his tenure. The verdict was formally recorded earlier in February 2026 and triggered immediate media coverage. Yoon’s legal team had previously appealed the decision, but the appeal was denied, cementing the conviction [1].
Yoon Publicly Apologizes for Causing National Pain On 20 February 2026, Yoon delivered a brief statement expressing regret for the “pain” his case inflicted on the Korean public. He emphasized personal responsibility and pledged to respect the court’s ruling. The apology was broadcast on national television and quickly circulated on social media platforms [1].
Public Reaction Highlights Deep Political Divide Citizens and political analysts noted that Yoon’s apology may aim to mitigate growing unrest among his supporters. Opposition parties called the conviction a necessary step toward accountability, while Yoon’s base viewed the sentence as politically motivated. The incident has intensified debates over democratic safeguards and the legacy of Yoon’s administration [1].
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Timeline
Dec 3, 2024 – President Yoon Suk‑yeol declares martial law, which is swiftly revoked after massive public backlash and a National Assembly vote; police under his orders seal the Assembly hall, blocking lawmakers from voting on lifting the decree, an action later deemed disruptive to democracy. [3]
Dec 1, 2025 – Acting NPA Commissioner General Yoo Jae‑seong publicly apologizes to the nation for the police’s role in sealing the Assembly on Dec 3, 2024, pledges to prioritize the public interest and protect the constitutional order, and delivers the apology at an online senior‑police gathering ahead of the first anniversary of the failed martial‑law bid. [3]
Dec 2025 – Trials proceed against senior police officials Cho Ji‑ho and Kim Bong‑sik, accused of insurrection‑related conduct during the 2024 martial‑law episode, as the country marks the first anniversary of the incident. [3]
Dec 18, 2025 – On his 65th birthday, former President Yoon Suk‑yeol appears as a witness at a military court, apologizes to commanders Kwak Jong‑keun, Yeo In‑hyung and Lee Jin‑woo, says it is “pitiful” to see senior officials on trial, claims the martial‑law decree was meant to last only “half a day, or a day at most” to expose opposition misconduct, and attributes his decision to the opposition’s move to impeach the state auditor chief. [2]
Feb 20, 2026 – After being convicted for his attempted imposition of martial law, former President Yoon publicly apologizes, stating he regrets the “pain” his court conviction has caused the public. [1]