South Korea prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-president over failed self-coup

South Korean prosecutors have asked a court to sentence former president Yoon Suk Yeol to death over his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024, one of the most dramatic political collapses in the country’s modern history.

Special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk made the request on Tuesday at the Seoul Central District Court, accusing Yoon of threatening South Korea’s “liberal democratic constitutional order” through what prosecutors described as a “self-coup”.

“The greatest victims of the insurrection in this case are the people of this country,” prosecutors told the court. “There are no mitigating circumstances to be considered in sentencing, and instead, a severe punishment must be imposed.”

Yoon plunged South Korea into crisis in December 2024 when he declared martial law, citing what he claimed was obstruction by opposition parties. The move triggered immediate public outrage, with protesters and lawmakers flooding the National Assembly to block the decree.

The declaration was swiftly ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Yoon was impeached, removed from office and taken into custody, marking one of the fastest political downfalls in South Korea’s democratic era.

His criminal trial on charges including insurrection and abuse of power concluded on Tuesday after more than 11 hours of proceedings. According to Yonhap News Agency, the court is expected to deliver its verdict on February 19.

Yoon has denied all charges, insisting he acted within his constitutional authority. Addressing the court, he described the investigations as “frenzied” and riddled with “manipulation” and “distortion”.

If convicted, Yoon would become the third South Korean president found guilty of insurrection, following two former military rulers convicted for their roles in the 1979 coup.

Even if the court imposes the death penalty, it is unlikely to be enforced. South Korea has maintained an unofficial moratorium on executions since 1997, effectively rendering capital punishment symbolic rather than operational.

Yoon’s legal troubles are far from over. He faces multiple additional trials linked to the martial law attempt and other alleged abuses of power during his presidency. A separate verdict is expected on Friday in an obstruction of justice case that could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

He is also scheduled to stand trial on charges of aiding the enemy, stemming from allegations that he ordered drone flights over North Korea to help justify his martial law declaration.

The office of current President Lee Jae Myung, who was elected after Yoon’s removal, said it “believes the judiciary will rule … in accordance with the law, principles, and public standards”.