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

A verdict is expected in early February following the Constitutional Court’s 2025 finding that the December 2024 decree violated the constitution.

Overview

  • A special prosecutor team formally asked the court to sentence Yoon Suk Yeol to death on charges of organizing a rebellion tied to the imposition of martial law.
  • Prosecutors also recommended life imprisonment for former defense minister Kim Young-hyun as a key participant in the plan.
  • A 30-year term was sought for ex-military intelligence chief No San-won, with investigators citing notebook entries they say pointed to a staged DPRK provocation to justify the decree.
  • The case alleges Yoon ordered troops and police to cordon the National Assembly to block a vote to overturn martial law and sought the detention of parliamentary leaders.
  • Earlier filings requested 15-year sentences for former interior minister Lee Sang-min and former prime minister Han Duck-soo, while noting South Korea has not carried out a death sentence since 1997.