South Korean prosecutors have asked the court to impose the death penalty on former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The demand follows his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024, an action that sent shockwaves across South Korea and the wider world.

Yoon was indicted last year on charges of leading an insurrection. The case was filed less than two months after he briefly suspended civilian rule, pushing the country into its most serious constitutional crisis in decades. The episode led to his impeachment and marked the first time a sitting South Korean president was arrested and formally indicted.

Final Hearing Held in Seoul Court

Prosecutors made their sentencing request during a final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday. They argued that Yoon’s actions amounted to “a grave act of constitutional destruction by anti-state forces.”

The sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for last week. However, the court decided to hold an additional session after the earlier hearing ran for several hours and continued late into the night. The court is expected to deliver its verdict next month.

Allegations of Using Troops Against Parliament

According to prosecutors, Yoon ordered soldiers to enter the parliament building in an attempt to shut down the National Assembly. The move was aimed at enforcing martial law and blocking lawmakers from carrying out their duties.

However, the plan failed. Lawmakers quickly gathered and voted to lift martial law, bringing the short-lived decree to an end.

Yoon Denies All Charges

Yoon has rejected the accusations and denied any wrongdoing. He has said his decision was a desperate measure to counter what he described as North Korea sympathizers who were trying to paralyze his government.

He has maintained that his actions were taken to protect the state, not to undermine democracy.

Rare Case in South Korea’s Political History

South Korea has a long history of former presidents being prosecuted and imprisoned after leaving office. However, Yoon’s case stands out.

He is the first former leader in decades to face the possibility of either a death sentence or life imprisonment. Under South Korean law, punishment for leading an insurrection is limited to these two penalties.

Past Precedent and Symbolic Punishment

In 1996, former President Chun Doo-Hwan was sentenced to death for his role in the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 1980, which killed nearly 200 people. His sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment.

Even if Yoon is sentenced to death, the punishment would likely remain symbolic. South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997.