South Korea's disgraced former president Yoon Suk-yeol apologised on Friday for the "hardship" caused by his 2024 martial law decree, one day after he was sentenced to life in prison for insurrection.

The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday found Yoon guilty of leading a December 2024 insurrection designed to "paralyse" the National Assembly.

Although Yoon acknowledged his bid to impose military rule had caused "frustration", he maintained it was a measure taken "solely for the sake of the nation".

A former career prosecutor, Yoon had argued he had presidential authority to declare martial law and his action was aimed at sounding the alarm over opposition parties' obstruction of government.

"I deeply apologise to the people for the frustration and hardships I have caused them, due to my own shortcomings, despite my resolve to save the nation," Yoon said in a statement shared through his lawyer.

Yoon lashed the court's verdict as "difficult to accept" – but did not give any indication as to whether he would appeal.

It was not clear when 65-year-old Yoon would be eligible for parole, although most inmates serving life terms could typically apply after 20 years.

A special prosecutor had sought the death penalty for Yoon, though South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997. (AFP/Reuters)



Edited by Aaron Tam