British News Agency

The ruling, delivered by Judge Jee Kui-youn of the Seoul Central District Court, was lighter than the death penalty sought by prosecutors during the final stage of the trial in January.

In the verdict, Jee stated that Yoon had led an insurrection and carried out actions aimed at overthrowing the country’s constitutional order.

While announcing the sentence, the court noted that Yoon “took the lead in planning the crime and involved numerous individuals,” and that it was “difficult to observe any sign of remorse from the defendant, who refused to appear in court.”

It was previously reported that Yoon had refused to attend questioning last year.

Five others, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, were also convicted; Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to 30 years in prison.