South Korea's special prosecutors demanded the death penalty on Tuesday for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of leading an insurrection by declaring martial law in December 2024. The move, which lasted just six hours, sent troops to parliament and triggered massive protests, impeachment, and his removal from office.
Background
Yoon Suk Yeol took office in 2022 as a conservative leader promising tough policies on North Korea and economic reforms. Tensions grew with the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, which controlled parliament and blocked his budget and cabinet picks. By late 2024, Yoon faced investigations into his wife, Kim Keon Hee, over corruption claims involving luxury gifts and stock manipulation.
On December 3, 2024, at 10:27 p.m. local time, Yoon went on national television. He called the opposition an 'anti-state den of criminals' trying to overthrow democracy. He declared martial law to 'protect the country from communist forces,' ordering the military to seize control of government buildings and detain political rivals.
Troops from the Army Special Warfare Command arrived at the National Assembly around midnight. They blocked entrances but did not enter the chamber. Lawmakers from both major parties gathered despite the chaos. At 1:02 a.m. on December 4, 190 of 300 assembly members voted unanimously to end martial law. Protesters filled the streets outside, clashing with soldiers and police.
Yoon met with his defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, early that morning. Frustrated that only about 500 troops had reached parliament, Yoon said it was not enough and should have been 1,000. By 4:30 a.m., he lifted the decree without cabinet discussion, as required by law. The brief episode exposed deep rifts in the military and government.
Public anger boiled over. On December 7, Yoon apologized but called it an act of governance against anti-state forces. Protests continued daily, with millions demanding his resignation. The opposition launched impeachment proceedings. Defense Minister Kim resigned and was arrested days later for pushing Yoon to declare martial law. He attempted suicide in detention.
On December 12, Yoon said he would fight to the end. But pressure mounted. On January 15, 2025, police arrested him at his residence after a standoff. Prosecutors indicted him on January 26 for insurrection, the first time a sitting president faced such charges. The Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment on April 4, 2025, removing him from office by a unanimous vote. A presidential election followed, but Yoon's trial moved forward separately.
Key Details
The trial began in early 2025 and stretched nine months, with hearings often running late into the night. On Tuesday, the final session lasted 17 hours, ending past midnight. Yoon, now 65, sat in court shaking his head and laughing when special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk demanded the death penalty.
Prosecutors called Yoon the ringleader of an insurrection aimed at overthrowing constitutional bodies. They said he planned to use military and police to seize power, arrest judges and lawmakers, and rule by decree. Evidence included orders to deploy troops, plans to detain opposition leaders from the Democratic Party and even his own People Power Party allies.
"This was a crime of insurrection aimed at neutralising constitutional state bodies to extend power through military and police forces."
- Special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk
The prosecution also accused Yoon of ordering drones over North Korea to create a pretext for martial law. They linked him to plans for arresting key figures without trial. For accomplices, they sought life in prison for ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and 30 years for retired Army intelligence chief No Sang-won, who helped design the martial law blueprint.
Yoon denies all charges. His lawyers argue the declaration was a temporary measure to counter threats, not a coup. Supporters packed the public gallery during the hearing, shouting protests that forced the judge to call for order multiple times.
Yoon faces additional charges of corruption, abuse of power, and rebellion. His wife, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, stands trial separately for bribery and accepting luxury items like designer bags and watches. Prosecutors seek up to 15 years for her, with sentencing due later this month.
Trial Timeline
- December 3, 2024: Martial law declared.
- December 4, 2024: Lifted after assembly vote.
- January 15, 2025: Yoon arrested.
- April 4, 2025: Impeachment upheld.
- January 13, 2026: Prosecutors demand death penalty.
- February 19, 2026: Verdict expected.
South Korea has the death penalty on the books but has not executed anyone since 1997. Courts rarely impose it for political crimes.
What This Means
A death penalty request marks a rare escalation in South Korean politics. It recalls the authoritarian era before democracy took hold in the 1980s, when leaders faced execution for coups. Observers worry it could split the public further. Yoon's backers see him as a victim of opposition revenge, potentially turning him into a symbol for conservatives ahead of future elections.
The case tests judicial independence. The three-judge panel must weigh the prosecution's push against Yoon's clean prior record and public service. Mitigating factors could lead to a lighter sentence like life or decades in prison. Whatever the outcome, appeals are certain, dragging the saga on.
For South Korea's democracy, the trial reinforces checks on executive power. The quick reversal of martial law showed parliament and citizens can push back. Yet it highlights ongoing divides: conservatives blame opposition gridlock, while liberals fear any return to military rule.
Yoon's fall disrupts alliances with the U.S. and Japan, key partners against North Korea. His successor, elected after impeachment, focuses on stability but inherits a polarized nation. Military leaders now face scrutiny, with reforms likely to prevent future overreach.
Human rights groups call the death penalty bid a setback, even for serious crimes. They note martial law endangered free speech and assembly, but execution would be the first in decades. Public opinion splits along party lines, with polls showing half support punishment but few back death.
The verdict on February 19 could calm or inflame tensions. Supporters plan rallies, while opponents watch for justice. Either way, the episode etches a warning into South Korea's young democracy: power grabs fail fast, but scars linger.
