South Korean prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-president Yoon

South Korean prosecutors demanded on Tuesday the death penalty for former president Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of leading an insurrection through his December 2024 declaration of martial law that plunged the country into political turmoil.

Yoon triggered a nationwide crisis when he abruptly announced the suspension of civilian rule in December 2024 and ordered troops to surround the National Assembly in an attempt to enforce martial law. The move, however, collapsed within hours amid political and public resistance.

Following the failed bid, Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested after being taken into custody in January 2025.

Prosecutors’ closing arguments
The criminal trial, which spans charges of insurrection, abuse of power, and related offenses, concluded Tuesday after more than 11 hours of proceedings.

In their closing remarks, prosecutors described Yoon as the central “ringleader” of an insurrection driven by a “lust for power aimed at dictatorship and long-term rule.” They said he had shown “no remorse” for actions that gravely undermined South Korea’s constitutional order and democratic system.

“The greatest victims of the insurrection in this case are the people of this country,” prosecutors argued, insisting that there were “no mitigating circumstances” and calling for the most severe punishment.

Prosecutors also requested a life sentence for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is accused of playing a key role in executing the martial law plan.

Yoon’s defense, trial scope
Speaking in his own defense, Yoon rejected the charges and maintained that his actions were lawful.

“It was not a military dictatorship that suppresses citizens, but an effort to safeguard freedom and sovereignty, and revive the constitutional order,” Yoon said, according to Yonhap News Agency.

His defense team likened him to historical figures such as Galileo Galilei and Giordano Bruno, who they argued were unjustly condemned by prevailing authorities. “The majority does not always reveal the truth,” they said.

The current proceedings involve eight defendants described as ringleaders of the martial law attempt, including Yoon and Kim. Hearings were initially expected to conclude last Friday but were extended after lengthy deliberations, including eight hours spent examining evidence related to Kim alone. If convicted, Yoon would become the third South Korean president found guilty of insurrection, following two former military leaders, Chun Doo-hwan and his successor Roh Tae-woo, linked to a 1979 coup. However, even if a death sentence is imposed, it is unlikely to be carried out, as South Korea has observed an unofficial moratorium on executions since 1997.

The court is expected to deliver its verdict in the insurrection case on February 19, according to Yonhap.

Separately, prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison sentence for Yoon on obstruction of justice charges, with a Seoul court expected to rule on that case later this week. Yoon also faces another trial on allegations of aiding the enemy, related to claims that he ordered drone flights over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as part of efforts to justify the declaration of martial law.