Special Counsel Demands Death Penalty for Yoon Suk Yeol Over 2024 Martial Law

In a move that's shaken the nation's political landscape, a special counsel team demanded the death penalty for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on January 13, 2026. Prosecutors labeled him the ringleader of an insurrection, stemming from his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, 2024, which they say aimed to seize control of the judiciary and legislature.

Charges of Insurrection and Subverting Democracy

During the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team argued that Yoon mobilized state resources illegally to remain in power. Assistant special counsel Park Eok-su emphasized that the nature of the crime is "serious," noting that physical military assets were used against the interest of the national collective. When the sentence was requested, Yoon reportedly showed a faint smile, while his supporters in the gallery erupted in protest.

Sentence Demands for Co-Defendants

The prosecution didn't stop at Yoon. They've requested life imprisonment for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, and 30 years for retired Army Maj. Gen. Noh Sang-won. Former police chiefs Cho Ji-ho and Kim Bong-sik face potential terms of 20 and 15 years, respectively. These high-ranking officials are accused of playing key roles in executing the brief martial law decree.

While the death penalty is technically legal in South Korea, the country hasn't carried out an execution since December 1997. If the court follows the special counsel's lead, Yoon would join former dictator Chun Doo-hwan as a leader facing the ultimate penalty for insurrection. A verdict is expected in February.