The fate of a former South Korean president hangs in the balance, as a court in Seoul considered a stunning request: the death penalty. Prosecutors allege that Yoon Suk Yeol, ousted from office last spring, attempted to seize absolute power through a controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Independent counsel Cho Eun-suk delivered a scathing indictment, characterizing Yoon’s actions as “anti-state activities” and a blatant “self-coup.” The prosecution contends that the martial law decree wasn’t a defense of democracy, but a calculated move to subvert South Korea’s constitutional foundations and cling to power.
Yoon, a conservative figure now held in custody, vehemently denies the accusations. He claims the investigations against him have been a relentless and biased assault, riddled with “manipulation” and “distortion” of the truth.
His defense centers on the assertion that the martial law declaration was a necessary warning to the public. Yoon argues he perceived a growing threat from the opposition Democratic Party, which he accused of obstructing his political agenda through its legislative majority.
The core of Yoon’s argument rests on his interpretation of presidential emergency powers. He maintains that invoking these powers, even in a dramatic fashion, cannot legally be equated with rebellion – the charge that carries the most severe penalty.
A verdict is anticipated next month, but legal observers suggest a life sentence is the more probable outcome. South Korea hasn’t executed a death sentence in over two decades, since 1997, signaling a shift in judicial practice.
This case marks a historic moment for South Korea. Yoon is the first former president to face the possibility of execution after leaving office since Chun Doo-hwan received a death sentence in 1996 – a sentence that was later commuted and ultimately pardoned.
The courtroom drama unfolds against a backdrop of deep political division and questions about the limits of presidential power. The coming verdict will undoubtedly resonate throughout South Korean society, shaping the future of its democracy and the legacy of its former leader.
