South Korean prosecutors are set to request a heavy sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, in a case that has gripped the nation for over a year. Yoon, accused of leading an insurrection when he declared martial law in December 2024, faces charges of abuse of power, insurrection, and other offences connected to his attempt to end civilian rule and consolidate authority.

Background of the Case

Yoon’s political crisis began when he announced the suspension of civilian governance and sent troops to parliament to enforce martial law, a move that shocked the country and triggered widespread political turmoil. The attempt, however, failed, and in January 2025, Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be taken into custody.

The failed martial law declaration is considered one of the most serious challenges to South Korea’s democratic institutions in decades. The insurrection charges carry severe penalties under South Korean law, requiring prosecutors to seek either life imprisonment or the death penalty.

The Trial and Proceedings

The criminal trial, which has stretched for months, is now drawing to a close. Yoon’s defence team has presented arguments likening the former leader to historic figures such as Galileo Galilei and Giordano Bruno, who were wrongfully condemned for challenging prevailing authorities. “The majority does not always reveal the truth,” his lawyers argued, highlighting what they claim is the unfairness of the proceedings.

The trial has been marked by painstaking examination of evidence. Proceedings that were initially expected to conclude last Friday were delayed after a 15-hour session, with eight hours spent examining evidence related to former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, one of Yoon’s key alleged accomplices. Kim’s lawyer even cited practical difficulties in reviewing documents quickly, claiming his client’s “short tongue” made it difficult to read through the material at a faster pace.

Eight defendants are currently standing trial as part of the alleged leadership behind the martial law bid, including Yoon and Kim. Prosecutors maintain that Yoon orchestrated the plan to undermine civilian governance, putting South Korea’s democratic institutions at risk.

Potential Sentences and Historical Context

If convicted of insurrection, Yoon would join a very short list of South Korean leaders punished for similar offences. The only others were military figures involved in the 1979 coup following the assassination of President Park Chung-hee. Even if Yoon were sentenced to death, the likelihood of execution is minimal, as South Korea has maintained an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment since 1997.

In addition to the insurrection charge, prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison sentence for Yoon on obstruction of justice charges. The verdict for that case is expected to be delivered this Friday. Yoon also faces a separate trial for allegedly aiding the enemy, following accusations that he ordered drone flights over North Korea in support of his martial law declaration effort.

National and International Implications

The trial has drawn widespread attention, both domestically and internationally, as South Korea grapples with the unprecedented scenario of a former president facing charges of insurrection. Observers note that the case could set lasting legal and political precedents, particularly regarding limits of executive power and accountability for attempts to undermine democratic institutions.

The insurrection case has also prompted debates over the role of the judiciary and the media in high-profile political trials. Yoon’s defence has repeatedly argued that the trial is being conducted under undue pressure and political scrutiny, likening his plight to historic figures who were persecuted for challenging prevailing systems.

Meanwhile, prosecutors emphasize that the charges are grounded in concrete evidence, including operational plans, communications, and witness testimonies. The case has involved extensive documentation of the sequence of events surrounding Yoon’s declaration of martial law and subsequent actions by security forces.

The Road Ahead

As the trial reaches its final stages, the South Korean judiciary is expected to deliver its rulings soon. While the death penalty remains a theoretical possibility, life imprisonment is widely regarded as the most probable outcome, given the country’s long-standing moratorium on executions. Regardless of the sentence, the case marks a historic moment in South Korean legal and political history, demonstrating the country’s commitment to holding even the highest-ranking officials accountable under the law.

The case continues to unfold alongside other investigations into Yoon’s conduct, with potential ramifications for both his political legacy and the broader governance landscape in South Korea. Authorities and observers alike are closely monitoring the outcome, which could influence public trust in institutions and set the tone for handling similar crises in the future.