South Korea prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-President Yoon

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by Stephen QuillenJanuary 13, 2026 at 09:09 PM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

South Korean prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and removed from office following a failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The prosecution team accused Yoon of threatening the country's constitutional order with his actions, which they described as a "self-coup." Yoon's criminal trial, which included charges of insurrection and abuse of power, concluded on Tuesday in Seoul. Yoon denies the charges, claiming he acted within his authority to address obstruction from opposition parties. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on February 19. If convicted, Yoon would be the third South Korean president found guilty of insurrection.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Yonhap 35% 1979 coup 40% Supreme Court 40% Seoul Central District Court 50% Cho Eun-suk 60% 2024 martial law declaration ×375% South Korea ×280% Yoon Suk Yeol ×895%

Keywords

martial law 100% impeachment 80% death penalty 70% insurrection 70% south korea 60% yoon suk yeol 60% constitutional order 50% abuse of power 40% criminal trial 40%