Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Former South Korean President Yoon

South Korean prosecutors have renewed their request for the death penalty against former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The case is currently being heard at the Seoul High Court during an appeal regarding his conviction for insurrection.

Yoon received a life sentence in February after being found guilty of attempting to establish a military regime. The prosecution maintains that the former leader's actions posed a direct threat to the nation's democracy.

The prosecution argues that the court should not hesitate to apply capital punishment. Although South Korea maintains the penalty in its penal code, the country has not carried out an execution since 1997.

The former president declared martial law in December 2024 and sent troops to Parliament. The measure was revoked six hours later after lawmakers voted against the initiative during the security lockdown.

Yoon's defense claims that his goal was merely to warn the legislature against obstructing the government. The former president denies any intention to establish a long-term dictatorship in the country.

The Constitutional Court removed Yoon from office in April 2025 following the impeachment process. The appellate court has scheduled two more hearings before the final ruling on the appeal.