Prosecutors in South Korea have called for the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his alleged attempt to impose martial law. The Seoul court heard claims that Yoon was the "ringleader of an insurrection" during closing arguments. Yoon, who denies wrongdoing, argues the martial law order was meant to highlight opposition misconduct.

Yoon's December 2024 move to enforce military rule ignited chaos, leading to his impeachment and arrest. Prosecutors insist on either the death penalty or life sentence for Yoon, as the law dictates for insurrection cases. However, South Korea has not executed anyone in nearly thirty years.

During court proceedings, prosecutors depicted Yoon as driven by a "lust for power," accusing him of ordering lawmakers' arrests and planning to eliminate hundreds, including journalists. Alongside Yoon, former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun and former police chief Cho Ji-ho face charges. Prosecutors seek life imprisonment for Kim and a 20-year sentence for Cho.

Yoon, present during final arguments, maintains he had presidential authority for declaring martial law, citing national protection as the motive. Legal discussions were extended because defence attorneys delayed proceedings, with a verdict expected in February. Prosecutors previously sought a 10-year sentence for Yoon on obstruction charges related to the martial law.

The martial law declaration on 3 December 2024 shocked South Korea and the international community. Many saw it as Yoon's power grab amid domestic issues. Despite his legal troubles, Yoon remains a figure of support within certain right-wing circles, viewed by some as a martyr against the ruling Democratic Party, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways

• Prosecutors demand the death penalty for former President Yoon over martial law attempts.

• Yoon and associates face severe charges linked to a failed insurrection attempt.

• The verdict date is set for February, with Yoon denying all allegations.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-14

 

 

Very interesting. I guess Korea is more disciplined about implementing the law.

On 1/14/2026 at 4:39 AM, webfact said:

During court proceedings, prosecutors depicted Yoon as driven by a "lust for power," accusing him of ordering lawmakers' arrests

Wow amazing. So happy that this, or similar, doesn't happen in other countries. That would be terrible.

Capital punishment should be illegal even for an attempted coup.

5 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

apital punishment should be illegal even for an attempted coup.

You mean you think it should be killed off