13.01.2026 18:34
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing the death penalty in a case where he is charged with 'leading a rebellion.' The court will issue its final decision for Yoon, who defends the legality of the declaration of martial law, in February.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing a death penalty request in the martial law case where he is accused of "leading a rebellion."
The martial law case against former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is nearing its conclusion. The final hearing of the case, in which Yoon appeared before the judge for the charge of "leading a rebellion," was held at the Seoul Central District Court.
APPEARED BEFORE THE JUDGE
Yoon and his defense team argued that the declaration of martial law fell within the presidential powers and therefore should not be subject to judicial review, stating that the indictment should be dismissed. The investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-suk, which examined the evidence and evaluated the final defenses, emphasized that Yoon used martial law to seize control of the judiciary and legislative bodies and maintain his power, thereby violating the constitution.
COURT REQUESTED DEATH PENALTY
The prosecution noted that Yoon was the "ringleader of the rebellion" and announced that it was requesting the death penalty for Yoon. It was reported that the court is expected to deliver its final decision regarding the case in February.
REMOVED FROM OFFICE AND ARRESTED
At the time, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024, on the grounds that the opposition was engaged in activities against the state. The National Assembly had initiated an impeachment process against Yoon for this reason. Yoon, whose powers were suspended and who was arrested, was officially removed from office following the Constitutional Court of South Korea's approval of the National Assembly's impeachment decision. Yoon claimed that the declaration of martial law was a legitimate use of presidential powers, asserting that "the implementation of martial law is not a coup." Various charges had been filed against Yoon.
10 YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT REQUESTED
The investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-suk had recently requested a 10-year prison sentence for Yoon in the case where he was charged with "obstruction of justice." The indictment stated that Yoon, who was reported to have prevented inspectors from detaining him last January, also violated the rights of 9 cabinet members who were not invited to the meeting organized to review the martial law plan. It was noted that Yoon had prepared a revised statement after the martial law was lifted and then destroyed it.