Request comes on final day of insurrection trial stemming from failed December 2024 move.

On Tuesday, a special team of South Korean prosecutors requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk-yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The request was made on the final day of the former leader’s insurrection trial at the Seoul Central District Court.

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Prosecutors sought the maximum sentence for the former president, although in practice it is unlikely to be carried out, as South Korea has maintained a moratorium on executions for nearly 40 years. The court is expected to issue its ruling in early February.

The prosecutorial team accused Yoon of declaring martial law “with the aim of remaining in power for a long time by controlling the judicial and legislative branches,” and highlighted the seriousness of his actions for mobilizing resources that should have been devoted to the public good.

The current South Korean government responded by saying it hopes the judiciary will rule “in accordance with the law, principles and the expectations of the public.”

Yoon faces charges including leading an insurrection, abuse of power, obstruction of justice, aiding an enemy and perjury in connection with the martial law decree, which he justified as a way to protect the nation from “anti-state forces.”

So far, 24 people have been charged in the case related to the imposition of the state of emergency, including then-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is expected to be the first to receive a verdict in late January, as well as the former director of the National Intelligence Service and the former defense minister.

Yoon declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, a move that was revoked hours later by Parliament. He was removed from office in April 2025, after which presidential elections were held in June.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: EFE – Yonhap

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