Overview
- Prosecutors told the Seoul Central District Court that Yoon led an insurrection by declaring unlawful martial law on Dec. 3, 2024 to seize control of the judiciary and legislature.
- The sentencing request followed an extended final hearing, with the court resuming Tuesday after a postponement caused by lengthy evidence review last week.
- Heavy terms were also sought for co-defendants, including life for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, 30 years for ex-Defense Intelligence Command chief Noh Sang-won, and 20 years for former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho.
- Parallel cases continue, including a trial over alleged drone operations that prosecutors say benefited North Korea, which was disrupted by a defense recusal request at its opening session.
- A separate first-instance verdict on obstruction-related charges is scheduled for Friday, while South Korea has observed a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997.