South Korean Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Former President Yoon Suk Yeol

A special prosecution team in South Korea has requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is accused of attempting to illegally impose martial law. The motion was filed during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, according to the Yonhap news agency.

According to the prosecution, the former head of state declared martial law in an attempt to retain power by seizing control over the judicial and legislative branches of government. Special Prosecutor Park Ok-su stated that Yoon Suk Yeol’s actions represent a grave threat to the constitutional order, as he deployed state resources—intended solely for the protection of public interests—to realize his personal ambitions.

In January 2025, Yoon Suk Yeol was charged with insurrection. Investigators believe he conspired with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to destabilize the country and undermine the foundations of the Constitution. Following the declaration of martial law, the former president was arrested; however, the court released him from custody in March. In July, Yoon Suk Yeol was detained again on additional charges related to the same case.

Legal sources report that a verdict in the case could be delivered as early as February. Meanwhile, Yoon Suk Yeol is simultaneously involved in three other ongoing judicial proceedings.