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Prosecutors demand capital punishment for Yoon Suk Yeol
Seoul prosecutors have requested the death sentence for South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol if convicted of leading an insurrection through his failed December 2024 martial law declaration. Closing arguments concluded Tuesday in a trial that has gripped the nation.
Charges and legal stakes
Yoon faces the gravest charge under South Korean law-leading an insurrection-which carries either the death penalty or life imprisonment. Prosecutors are legally required to specify one of the two maximum penalties when pursuing this offense.
Though no fatalities occurred during the brief martial law period, prosecutors argue Yoon's intent was inherently violent. They presented testimony from a military commander who stated Yoon ordered the arrest of lawmakers, along with a memo from a former military officer planning the operation that suggested "disposing" of hundreds, including journalists, activists, and politicians.
Timeline of the crisis
On December 3, 2024, Yoon stunned the country by announcing martial law, citing threats from North Korean communism. Critics viewed the move as a power grab amid domestic political instability. The declaration lasted mere hours but triggered months of turmoil, culminating in Yoon's impeachment by parliament and subsequent detention.
Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested and criminally charged. A snap election in June 2025 elevated Lee Jae Myung to the presidency following Yoon's removal.
Defense and political fallout
Yoon has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming the martial law declaration was a symbolic act to expose opposition corruption. His legal team is expected to challenge the insurrection charge, emphasizing the lack of casualties and the short duration of the military rule.
Despite his legal troubles, Yoon retains support among right-wing factions, who portray him as a martyr standing against the liberal Democratic Party led by President Lee.
Trial details and next steps
Yoon's trial has been consolidated with those of two former top aides: ex-defense minister Kim Yong-hyun and former police chief Cho Ji-ho. A verdict is anticipated in February, though no exact date has been set.
Separately, prosecutors last month sought a 10-year prison term for Yoon on obstruction of justice and related charges tied to the martial law attempt. He has been in detention for months as multiple criminal cases proceed.
Historical context
South Korea has not carried out an execution in nearly three decades. The last death sentence for a high-profile figure was handed to former military dictator Chun Doo-hwan in 1996 for his 1979 coup, though his punishment was later reduced to life imprisonment.
