South Korean prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-President Yoon

Former leader denied being 'ringleader' of attempt to subvert constitutional order

Supporters of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gather outside the Seoul Central District Court ahead of an expected sentencing request by the prosecutor on Jan. 13. © Kyodo

January 13, 2026 23:20 JST

SEOUL (Kyodo) -- Prosecutors in South Korea demanded the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday for leading an insurrection through his short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024.