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Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Ex–South Korean President Yoon Over 2024 Martial-Law Decree

A February verdict looms in a rebellion case seen as a barometer of civilian control after Parliament swiftly voided Yoon’s brief martial-law decree.

Overview

  • An independent prosecution team led by Cho Eun-suk requested the death penalty at the final hearing in Seoul Central District Court, with a ruling expected in February.
  • Yoon remains in detention and faces charges including leading an insurrection, abuse of power, obstruction of justice, aiding an enemy and perjury.
  • Prosecutors allege he mobilized troops and police and pursued operations, including drone flights, to manufacture a pretext for imposing military rule.
  • Parliament overturned the December 3, 2024 decree within hours, Yoon was removed from office in April 2025 and 24 officials have been indicted, including former prime minister Han Duck-soo, whose case is due for sentencing late January.
  • South Korea has observed a decades-long moratorium on executions, making an execution unlikely in practice, and the current government said it expects a ruling consistent with law and public expectations.