Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Ex-South Korean President

In a dramatic turn of events in Seoul, South Korean prosecutors have formally requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The request was made during the final stages of his trial on charges of treason and mutiny stemming from his declaration of martial law in late 2024, which plunged the country into political chaos. Prosecutors argued that Yoon's actions constituted a grave attack on the constitutional order and democracy, warranting the maximum punishment available under South Korean law.

The trial has gripped the nation, with supporters and detractors clashing outside the courthouse. Yoon has maintained his innocence, claiming the martial law decree was necessary to protect the country from "anti-state forces," but evidence presented during the trial depicted a hasty and illegal attempt to bypass parliamentary oversight. A verdict is expected soon, and the severity of the prosecutors' demand highlights the intense judicial and political reckoning taking place in South Korea as it seeks to stabilize its democracy after the crisis.