In a dramatic turn of events, prosecutors have reportedly urged the court to seek the death penalty for the former president, rejecting the possibility of life imprisonment, international media sources reveal. This decision underscores the gravity of the charges against the former leader.

Yoon was ousted from his presidential position in April 2025, following a tumultuous period marked by his controversial attempt to institute martial law in December 2024. This move, which many viewed as an attempted coup, was short-lived, spanning just over a day from the night of December 3 to the early morning of December 4.

Throughout the ordeal, Yoon has maintained both publicly and in court that his actions were intended as a symbolic gesture. He argued that his declaration of martial law was meant to highlight the perceived threat posed by the opposition Democratic Party, which had been using its legislative majority to thwart significant portions of Yoon’s agenda.

Despite no casualties resulting from the alleged coup, prosecutor Cho Eun-suk and his legal team have argued for the death penalty. They contend that Yoon’s actions were inherently violent, justifying the severe penalty despite the absence of physical harm.

The party had used its legislative majority to block and obstruct substantial parts of Yoon’s agenda.

Prosecutor Cho Eun-suk’s legal team has asked the court impose the death penalty on conviction despite no lives being lost in the alleged self-coup, claiming Yoon’s intentions were nonetheless violent.

They characterised his martial law decree as “anti-state activities” and “a self-coup”.

Cho’s team alleged that Yoon aimed to prolong his rule by neutralising the constitutional structure of state governance systems.

Speaking at the same courtroom later, Yoon slammed investigations about his rebellion charges, saying they’ve been “frenzied” and that they have involved “manipulation” and “distortion”.

A verdict is expected next month.

South Korea has not carried out an execution in almost 30 years, with the last such sentence being carried out in 1997.

Former military dictator Chun Doo-hwan, who ruled from 1980 to 1988, was sentenced to death in 1996 for crimes including treason, but the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment and he was later pardoned.

– with Associated Press.