Yoon Suk-yeol Death Penalty Demand Renewed by South Korean Prosecutors

Background of the Martial Law Crisis

Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, deploying soldiers and police to the National Assembly, South Korea's parliament. Lawmakers overcame a security blockade to vote down the measure, forcing the government to withdraw it about six hours after it was announced.

The crisis led parliament to impeach Yoon in December 2024. South Korea's Constitutional Court, which decides whether to uphold impeachments, removed him from office in April 2025.

Court Findings and Defense Arguments

The lower court found that Yoon had tried to stop parliament from functioning, detain political opponents and remain in control of the country for an extended period.

Yoon's lawyers told reporters on Thursday that he had intended to warn an opposition-controlled parliament against what he considered attempts to obstruct his government, not to establish authoritarian rule. Speaking at the Seoul High Court on October 27, Yoon also denied seeking to establish a long-term dictatorship, according to the Hankyoreh newspaper.

What Comes Next

The appeals court plans two more hearings, including Yoon's final statement scheduled for November 5. A final ruling on the prosecution's death penalty request has not yet been issued.