Politics

Prosecutors seek death penalty for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

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Jan 14, 2026

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Special prosecutors in South Korea requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday. The request was made at the Seoul Central District Court during the conclusion of Yoon's trial on charges of insurrection and rebellion related to his brief declaration of martial law in December 2024. A verdict is expected to be delivered in February.

Independent counsel Cho Eun-suk argued that Yoon’s actions constituted a "self-coup" and "anti-state activities." Prosecutors alleged that the former president sought to undermine the constitutional system and seize control of the judiciary and legislature to prolong his power. Yoon was removed from office in the spring of 2025 and is currently in custody facing multiple criminal proceedings.

Yoon has rejected the accusations, maintaining his innocence. He told the court that the martial law declaration was a constitutional act intended to protect national sovereignty and alert the public to threats posed by the opposition Democratic Party. Yoon claimed the opposition had used its legislative majority to block his agenda and accused the party of colluding with North Korean communists. He described the investigations against him as "manipulation" and "distortion."

The charges stem from events on December 3, 2024, when Yoon ordered troops to the National Assembly. Lawmakers voted unanimously to overturn the decree, and Yoon lifted the order approximately six hours after it was announced. Yoon is the first former South Korean president to face a potential death sentence since Chun Doo-hwan in 1996, although the country has not carried out an execution since 1997.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Claude

• Actions constituted a self-coup Independent counsel Cho Eun-suk argued that the former president’s declaration of martial law amounted to "anti-state activities." Prosecutors contend that sending troops to the National Assembly was a direct attempt to seize control of the legislature and judiciary.

• Intent to undermine the constitution The prosecution alleged that Yoon sought to dismantle the constitutional system specifically to prolong his hold on power. They argue these actions justify the charges of insurrection and rebellion related to the events of December 2024.

• Request for maximum penalty Special prosecutors formally requested the death penalty at the Seoul Central District Court, marking the first time such a sentence has been sought for a former president since 1996. The request reflects the prosecution's view on the severity of the alleged crimes, despite the country not carrying out an execution since 1997.

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