South Korean Prosecutors Request Death Penalty for Ex‑President Yoon at Final Hearing
Updated (2 articles)
Prosecutors demand capital punishment for Yoon’s martial‑law actions At the Seoul Central District Court’s final hearing on Jan. 13, 2026, special counsel Cho Eun‑suk’s team formally asked judges to impose the death penalty on former President Yoon Suk‑Yeol, labeling him the “insurrection’s ringleader” who tried to seize the judiciary and legislature [1][2]. The request follows Yoon’s Dec. 3, 2024 declaration of martial law, which prosecutors say lacked any war or emergency justification. Legal analysts note South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, making the recommendation historically notable [1][2].
Indictment outlines insurrection and conspiracy charges Yoon was indicted in January 2025 for leading an insurrection by illegally declaring martial law and mobilizing troops and police to block a parliamentary vote on his decree [1][2]. The indictment accuses him of conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong‑hyun and other officials to subvert the Constitution. Prosecutors also allege Yoon ordered the sealing of the National Assembly and the detention of key lawmakers to maintain power [1][2].
First sitting president detained, then re‑arrested Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be physically detained after his indictment, though a court cancelled the arrest in March 2025, leading to his release [2]. He was taken into custody again in July 2025 on additional charges tied to the martial‑law attempt [2]. During the Jan. 13 hearing, Yoon appeared subdued while supporters shouted insults from the gallery [1].
Prosecutors seek long sentences for senior aides The prosecution asked for life imprisonment for former Defense Minister Kim Yong‑hyun and 20 years for former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji‑ho, reflecting a broader push to hold Yoon’s inner circle accountable [1][2]. Yonhap’s first article also listed a 15‑year term for the Seoul Metropolitan Police chief, a 30‑year term for a retired Army major general, and a 20‑year term for another police official, details not repeated in the second report [1]. Observers expect the court to deliver a verdict in early February 2026 [1][2].
Hearing centered on extensive paper evidence The morning session featured an 11‑hour review of documentary evidence by Yoon’s defense team, after a prior session was suspended due to the defense’s lengthy examination of ministry files [1][2]. Prosecutors presented their sentencing recommendation after the paper review, and closing arguments are slated for the upcoming weeks. The court’s February ruling will determine whether the death penalty or lengthy imprisonment will be imposed [1][2].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Special counsel seeks death penalty for ex-president Yoon over martial law declaration: Details the prosecutors’ death‑penalty request, Yoon’s Dec 2024 martial‑law move, and the expected February verdict, emphasizing historical context of capital punishment .
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2.
Yonhap: Special counsel seeks death penalty for ex-president Yoon over martial law bid: Mirrors the first report but adds that Yoon was the first sitting president detained, outlines the 11‑hour paper review, and specifies life imprisonment for the ex‑defense minister and 20 years for the police chief .
Timeline
1996 – South Korea tries former President Chun Doo‑hwan for the 1979 coup and the 1980 Gwangju crackdown, with prosecutors recommending the death penalty, illustrating the country’s precedent for capital‑punishment requests in high‑profile insurrection cases[1].
1997 – South Korea effectively abolishes the death penalty in practice, with no executions carried out since, a fact cited by Amnesty International to contextualize the unprecedented death‑penalty demand against Yoon Suk‑yeol[1].
Dec 3, 2024 – President Yoon Suk‑yeol declares martial law, claiming the need to eradicate “anti‑state forces,” and mobilizes troops and police to seal off the National Assembly and detain lawmakers, actions later defined as an illegal insurrection[2].
Jan 2025 – A special counsel indicts Yoon on insurrection and conspiracy charges for the martial‑law declaration, accusing him of subverting the Constitution by blocking a parliamentary vote on his decree[1][2].
Mar 2025 – A Seoul court cancels Yoon’s arrest, leading to his release after having been the first sitting president ever detained, highlighting the legal turbulence surrounding the case[2].
Jul 2025 – Authorities re‑detain Yoon on additional charges tied to the martial‑law attempt, underscoring the persistence of the prosecution’s case against him[2].
Jan 13, 2026 – At the final hearing in Seoul Central District Court, special counsel Cho Eun‑suk’s team asks for the death penalty, labeling Yoon “the ringleader of an insurrection” and seeking life imprisonment for ex‑Defense Minister Kim Yong‑hyun, 20 years for former NPA chief Cho Ji‑ho, 15 years for Seoul Police chief, and 30 years for a retired major general[1][2].
Jan 13, 2026 – Prosecutors present an 11‑hour paper‑evidence review by Yoon’s lawyers before delivering their sentencing recommendation, and the court signals it will issue a verdict in early February[1].
Feb 2026 (expected) – Legal observers anticipate the Seoul Central District Court’s ruling on Yoon’s case, which will determine whether South Korea’s de facto abolition of capital punishment is tested by a death‑penalty sentence[1].