Yoon Suk Yeol is being accused of insurrection due to his 2024 declaration of martial law in what is alleged to be an attempt to remain in power
South Korean prosecutors have asked for the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is standing trial for insurrection because of his 2024 declaration of martial law in an alleged bid to stay in power.
During the closing arguments at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday, the special prosecutor referred to 65 – year – old Yoon as the “ringleader of an insurrection.” The prosecutor cited an investigation that, reportedly, found evidence indicating that he had planned a scheme, which dated back to 2023, to take control of state functions.
Yoon has rejected the charges, claiming that as president, he had the power to declare martial law. He pointed to a legislative deadlock and a supposed “rebellion” being planned by pro – Pyongyang forces within the political opposition.
The emergency martial law declared in December 2024 immediately sparked public protests and was revoked by parliament within a day.
The unexpected declaration – the first use of martial law in South Korea since 1980 – threw the country into a constitutional crisis. Hundreds of armed troops were quickly mobilized and sent to key state institutions, including the National Assembly. Apparently, this was done to preempt parliamentary authority and prevent lawmakers from meeting. Opponents condemned the decree as a dangerous overstepping of executive power, and the National Assembly promptly voted unanimously to overturn the order, forcing Yoon to lift it after about six hours.
This action led to large – scale protests and calls for Yoon’s resignation from opposition leaders, as well as political turmoil that eventually resulted in a successful impeachment drive later that month.
Yoon was arrested in January 2025 and was officially removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April. He became the first sitting South Korean president to be detained and face criminal charges while in office.
Even though South Korean law permits capital punishment in cases of insurrection, Seoul has not carried out an execution since 1997. Legal experts think that a life sentence is a more probable outcome for Yoon.
The court is expected to announce its verdict in February.
Yoon’s removal led to a sudden presidential election, which was won by his rival, Lee Jae – myung. His administration has adopted a policy of normalizing relations with North Korea. This includes stopping propaganda broadcasts at the border, which is a significant change from Yoon’s tough – line stance.