Historic Death Penalty Request in Yoon Suk Yeol Insurrection Trial
South Korea’s special prosecution team has urged a Seoul court to hand down the death penalty to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, charging him with insurrection over his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024. The dramatic sentencing request marks one of the most serious moments in modern South Korean legal and political history as the nation awaits a likely February decision.
🔍 Allegations: Martial Law as Insurrection
Prosecutors allege that Yoon, 65, orchestrated an unconstitutional grab for power by temporarily imposing martial law — sending troops into Seoul and disrupting the normal democratic process. They argue this action amounted to an insurrection under Korean law, warranting the harshest punishment available.
Yoon has denied wrongdoing, contending that his actions were within his presidential authority and aimed at quelling political deadlock with the opposition.
Key points in the prosecution’s case include:
- Undermining constitutional order: The special counsel described the martial law effort as an extreme breach of domestic law and democratic norms.
- Mobilization of state forces: Alleged attempts to direct military and police to sideline the National Assembly played a central role in the charges.
🏛️ Legal Stakes and Next Steps
Under South Korea’s criminal code, insurrection can carry three possible penalties: death, life imprisonment with labor, or life imprisonment without labor. Fixed-term sentences are not an option for this charge.
Although the death penalty remains on the books, South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, and legal experts believe a life sentence may be more probable even if the court accepts prosecutors’ request.
The Seoul Central District Court is expected to deliver its ruling in February, with possible appeals extending the case further into the future.
📊 Broader Political Impact
Yoon’s fallout began after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment in April 2025, stripping him of presidential immunity and triggering multiple criminal trials, including the insurrection case.
The martial law incident — which lasted only hours yet ignited protests and constitutional debate — continues to shape South Korea’s political landscape amid concerns over democratic resilience.
