South Korean Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Over Martial Law Attempt

South Korean prosecutors have requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing his 2024 martial law declaration as an insurrection. The request was made during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, with the verdict expected on February 19.

Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, deploying troops to the National Assembly in an attempt to prevent lawmakers from overturning his decree. The move was swiftly countered when 190 legislators convened to annul the declaration, leading to Yoon's impeachment and removal from office in April 2025.

Prosecutors argued that Yoon's actions constituted a "self-coup" aimed at extending his rule by undermining democratic institutions. They emphasized the severity of the offense, stating that there were no mitigating circumstances to consider.

Yoon has denied the charges, asserting that his declaration was a constitutional measure intended to address perceived threats from opposition parties. He criticized the investigations as "frenzied" and accused them of "manipulation" and "distortion."

If sentenced to death, Yoon would be the first South Korean president to face such a penalty since former military leader Chun Doo-hwan in 1996. However, South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, effectively observing a moratorium on the death penalty.

Amnesty International has expressed concern over the prosecution's request, stating that pursuing the death penalty undermines human rights principles.

The court's forthcoming decision is anticipated to have significant implications for South Korea's political and legal landscape.