South Korean prosecutors demand death penalty for former president Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean prosecutors have requested the death penalty for former president Yoon Suk Yeol for his actions surrounding a failed martial law declaration in December 2024. This marks the first insurrection trial of a Korean head of state in three decades. Yoon is accused of deploying troops to the national assembly to prevent lawmakers from lifting his declaration, which prosecutors argue was a plan to maintain power. The prosecution also requested life imprisonment for the former defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, for his involvement. Yoon was impeached by parliament and removed from office in April 2025, following the six-hour crisis. Prosecutors presented evidence of pre-planning, including documented plans to manipulate election officials and control media outlets, citing Yoon's lack of remorse as an aggravating factor. A verdict is expected in mid-February.

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