Archive · 9 Jan 2026
South Korea's ex-President Yoon faces death sentence request in trial
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is on trial for trying to take control of the government by imposing martial law.
Prosecutors say he and his defense minister planned this in 2023 and even tried to create a reason by causing tension with North Korea.
The martial law only lasted about six hours, but it caused a lot of trouble.
Yoon says he was just doing his job as president.
The court will decide his punishment soon, which could be very serious, like life in prison or even the death penalty.
South Korea hasn't executed anyone in a long time, though.
Yoon was also removed from office and now faces other charges too.
Prosecutors allege Yoon and his defense minister planned to suspend parliament and impose martial law as early as October 2023.
Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment if found guilty of insurrection.
The martial law declaration lasted about six hours and was revoked after lawmakers breached security to vote.
Yoon denies the charges, arguing his actions were within his presidential powers to address opposition obstruction.
The court is expected to rule in February 2025, following a trial that began in February 2024.
- Who
- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his defense minister Kim Yong-hyun
- What
- Trial for insurrection and other charges related to the imposition of martial law
- When
- Final session on January 9, 2025; verdict expected in February 2025
- Where
- Seoul Central District Court, South Korea
- Why
- Prosecutors allege Yoon and Kim planned to suspend parliament and take over legislative powers
- Defendants
- Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim Yong-hyun, and seven others
- Charges
- Insurrection, obstructing arrest, abuse of power
- Potential Sentence
- Death penalty or life imprisonment
- Last Execution
- 1997
- Martial Law Duration
- About six hours
- Trial Start
- February 2024
- Expected Verdict
- February 2025
