On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, an independent counsel demanded the death sentence for Yoon Suk Yeol, the former South Korean president. Yoon is being sentenced for charges of rebellion in connection with his “short-lived imposition of martial law” in December of 2024, according to the Detroit News.
Yoon was removed from office in April and faces eight trials concerning criminal charges related to the martial law scandal and others during his time in office including charges Yoon directed a rebellion.
Cho Eun-suk, independent counsel, requested Seoul Central District Court sentence the former South Korean leader be sentenced to death, according to the court. A verdict is not expected until February. Experts report it is likely Yoon will be sentenced to life in prison. South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997.
Yoon has asserted his actions were a desperate yet peaceful attempt to help the public understand the dangers of the liberal opposition that used its legislative majority to block his agenda. He referred to them as “a den of criminals” and “anti-state forces.”
This decree is the first of its kind in over 40 years in South Korea and it brought armed troops into the streets of Seoul to “encircle the assembly and enter election offices.” This act evoked memories of 1970s and 80s dictatorships when leaders used martial law and emergency decrees to station soldiers and armored vehicles to suppress protests for democracy.
On the night Yoon declared martial law, thousands rushed to object at the National Assembly and demand his resignation. Lawmakers were able to vote down his decree. His action was described as political suicide. Parliament impeached Yoon and sent the case to Constitutional Court and he was dismissed from the presidency.
It is expected the former leader of South Korea will give a statement during the hearing Tuesday.
By Jeanette Vietti
Sources:
South China Morning Post: South Korean prosecutors demand death penalty for ex-
The Detroit News: Death sentence sought for ex-South Korea leader Yoon over martial law decree
BBC: Yoon Suk Yeol: S Korea prosecutors seek death penalty over failed
Featured Image by YANG DONG WOOK Courtesy of Republic of Korea’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
