In South Korea, a court sentenced former President Yun-Sukyul to life in prison after it found him guilty of leading an insurrection.

While it is a dark mark for the country, some argue it's a bright spot for its young democracy.

Nick Schifrin details how a few short, tumultuous hours challenged South Korea.

Today in Seoul, they watched and cheered as a day. few short, tumultuous hours challenged South Korea.

Today in Seoul, they watched and cheered as if it were a play-by-play, a judge making the final call on the sentencing of former President Yun Suk Yul, and after Yun's fate was sealed,

his critics celebrated.

I was watching the martial law, which is something I'd only seen in history books, unfold in real time.

I hoped for a harsher punishment so that history wouldn't repeat itself.

His supporters were left shocked. Watching what appears to be a collapse of rule of law today,

I am compelled to question whether we should proceed with an appeal or continue to

participate in these criminal proceedings at all.

It was December 2024 when President Ewan declared martial law.

His middle of the night announcement sent members

in the military to Parliament.

Protesters protected the building and their democracy.

Inside, the only thing that stopped soldiers from Parliament floor, furniture deployed

by opposition staffers.

That bought time until a unanimous vote lifted martial law. From start to finish,

it was only six hours, but it was and has been a test of South Korean democracy. To me, the most

remarkable stories, the resilience and the sustainability of South Korean democracy in the

face of unprecedented challenges. Frank Genozy is the president of South Korean democracy in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Frank Genozy is the president of the Mansfield Foundation, which works on U.S. relations with Asia.

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