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Yoon’s Life Sentence Sparks Party Turmoil and Calls for Unity Ahead of Elections

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  • Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, attends a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2026, a day after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. (Yonhap)
    Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, attends a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2026, a day after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, attends a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2026, a day after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, heads to his office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Rep. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, heads to his office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, heads to his office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, attends a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2026, a day after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. (Yonhap)
    Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, attends a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2026, a day after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, attends a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2026, a day after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison for his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, heads to his office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Rep. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, heads to his office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the main opposition People Power Party, heads to his office at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) Source Full size
  • Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, expresses regret over a court ruling that sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison over his failed 2024 martial law bid during a party meeting held at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, expresses regret over a court ruling that sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison over his failed 2024 martial law bid during a party meeting held at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, expresses regret over a court ruling that sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison over his failed 2024 martial law bid during a party meeting held at the National Assembly in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Former President Yoon Receives Life Term for 2024 Insurrection The Seoul Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection linked to his brief declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024 [1][2][3]. Special prosecutors had requested the death penalty, but the court opted for the maximum non‑capital sentence [1][2]. The ruling marks the most severe penalty imposed in the case and concludes the criminal trial phase [3].

PPP Leader Jang Expresses Regret While Defending Yoon At a National Assembly press conference, People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong‑hyeok said he regretted the verdict but warned that the party might not fully sever ties with Yoon [1][2]. He argued that many constitutional scholars view the short‑lived martial‑law decree as not automatically constituting insurrection, claiming the court lacked sufficient proof [1][2]. Jang also invoked the presumption of innocence for all, warning that calls for an apology or split could deepen internal division [1][2].

Floor Leader Song Issues Formal Apology and Rule‑of‑Law Pledge PPP floor leader Song Eon‑seok posted an apology on Facebook, stating the party feels responsibility for the conviction and will respect the rule of law [3]. He pledged humility and a firm stance against forces that threaten the constitutional order, aiming to restore public trust [3]. Song’s statement aligns with broader party messaging that everyone is equal before the law [3].

Former Chief Han Calls for Jang’s Removal Amid Party Rift Former PPP chief Han Dong‑hoon used a Facebook post to warn that the party will “die” unless it removes Jang, urging a leadership change to improve prospects in the June 3 local elections [1]. Han also condemned President Lee Jae Myung’s use of presidential immunity to suspend five trials, demanding their immediate resumption [1]. This intra‑party criticism appears only in the first article, highlighting a split within the PPP.

Democratic Party Pushes Pardon‑Act Amendment Following Conviction Democratic Party leader Jung Chung‑rae expressed regret that the life sentence fell short of public expectations and announced plans to introduce legislation limiting pardons for insurrection convicts [3]. A proposed amendment to the Pardon Act has been tabled in a parliamentary subcommittee, with a meeting scheduled for Friday [3]. The DP’s legislative initiative underscores a bipartisan effort to safeguard democratic institutions after the verdict [3].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 3, 2024 – Former President Yoon Suk‑yeol declares martial law for a brief period, an action later defined by prosecutors as an insurrection and forming the legal basis for his criminal trial [1][4].

Late Dec 2024 – The National Assembly votes to lift Yoon’s martial‑law decree, with 18 People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers—including Jang Dong‑hyeok—supporting the reversal, signaling early parliamentary repudiation of the move [5].

Jan 7, 2026 – PPP leader Jang Dong‑hyeok publicly apologizes at party headquarters, calling the Dec 3 martial‑law “a wrong and inappropriate response,” bowing and pledging a “fresh start” while asserting the party will “cross the river of martial law and impeachment” toward the future [4][6].

Jan 7, 2026 – Jang unveils reform proposals aimed at courting centrist voters ahead of the June 3 local elections, promising broader opposition cooperation and stressing that the party must move beyond the “Yoon again” faction [4].

Jan 7, 2026 – Former chief Han Dong‑hoon posts on Facebook that the PPP “will die unless it cuts off Jang,” urging the party to dismiss him to improve its chances in the upcoming local elections [1].

Jan 7, 2026 – Polls show PPP approval lingering in the low‑20 percent range, prompting senior conservatives such as Seoul Mayor Oh Se‑hoon and former president Lee Myung‑bak to call for a strategic shift [4].

Feb 19, 2026 – PPP floor leader Song Eon‑seok apologizes on Facebook for the party’s responsibility in Yoon’s conviction, pledging humility, rule‑of‑law reinforcement, and a firm line against forces threatening the constitutional order [3].

Feb 19, 2026 – Democratic Party leader Jung Chung‑rae says the life sentence “falls short of the public’s sense of justice” and tables a Pardon Act amendment to restrict pardons for insurrection convicts, with a subcommittee meeting set for the coming Friday [3].

Feb 20, 2026 – Seoul Central District Court sentences Yoon Suk‑yeol to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection tied to his Dec 3, 2024 martial‑law bid, rejecting prosecutors’ request for the death penalty [1][2].

Feb 20, 2026 – PPP leader Jang declares the verdict “only the first verdict,” urges that the presumption of innocence apply equally, and warns that calls to sever ties with Yoon “sow the seeds of division” within the party [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Jang argues that many legal scholars view the short‑lived martial‑law declaration as not constituting insurrection, claiming the court lacked sufficient evidence to overturn that view [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Han Dong‑hoon repeats his call on Facebook for Jang’s removal, warning the PPP “will die unless it cuts off Jang” to salvage its electoral prospects [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Jang condemns President Lee Jae‑Myung’s use of presidential immunity to suspend five ongoing trials, demanding the courts resume those proceedings immediately [1].

June 3, 2026 (future) – South Korea holds local elections, a pivotal test for the PPP’s reform agenda and its ability to attract centrist voters after the martial‑law fallout [4][5].

June 2026 (future) – The PPP plans to implement its announced reform measures and pursue broader opposition alliances to improve its standing ahead of the local elections [4].

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