Ex-South Korean president could face death penalty
Photo: Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol (Getty Images)
Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking the death penalty for former president Yoon Suk Yeol. He is accused of an “attempted rebellion” after declaring martial law in the country last year, according to Yonhap.
A team of special prosecutors handling the case described Yoon Suk Yeol as the ringleader of an uprising who allegedly planned to remain in power by seizing control of the judicial and legislative branches.
Based on this, prosecutors are demanding the death penalty for the former president. Representatives of special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk’s team announced the request during the final court hearing on January 13 at the Seoul Central District Court.
As reported, on December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law, citing the need to protect the constitutional order. At the same time, he accused opposition forces in parliament of sympathizing with North Korea and blocking the government’s work.
However, the attempted “military coup” ended in complete failure, as the military was unable even to block parliament to prevent lawmakers from voting to lift martial law. Large-scale protests near the parliament building disrupted the operation. Six hours later, the president lifted martial law and issued a public apology.
After that, impeachment proceedings were initiated against Yoon Suk Yeol. He was forced to resign, placed under investigation, and arrested on suspicion of treason. Authorities were able to detain the former president only on the second attempt, as his security detail initially resisted.
In March, a Seoul court released Yoon Suk Yeol from custody but allowed the rebellion case to proceed. In July 2025, he was taken back into detention. In November, prosecutors announced new charges, accusing him of “aiding a hostile state,” referring to North Korea.
