SEOUL, South Korea – Prosecutors in South Korea have requested the death penalty for ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, a move they say threatened the country’s “liberal democratic constitutional order.”

Special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk made the request Tuesday at the Seoul Central District Court, arguing Yoon’s actions amounted to a self-coup. Prosecutors stated that there were “no mitigating circumstances” and that “severe punishment must be imposed.”

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Background: Martial Law Attempt

Yoon declared martial law in December 2024 amid clashes with opposition lawmakers. The decree sparked mass protests and a parliamentary backlash, ultimately being struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Yoon was impeached, removed from office, and jailed.

His criminal trial, covering charges including insurrection and abuse of power, concluded Tuesday after 11 hours of proceedings. The court is expected to deliver a verdict on February 19, 2026.

Yoon has denied wrongdoing, claiming he acted within his authority and criticizing the investigations as “frenzied” and full of “manipulation and distortion.”

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Potential Outcomes

• If convicted, Yoon would become the third South Korean president in history to be found guilty of insurrection.
• Even if sentenced to death, it is unlikely to be carried out, as South Korea has observed a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997.
• Yoon also faces additional trials, including an obstruction of justice case (verdict expected Friday) and charges of aiding the enemy, linked to drone operations over North Korea.

The office of current President Lee Jae Myung, who succeeded Yoon, stated it trusts the judiciary to act “in accordance with the law, principles, and public standards.”