• Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol.
• Yoon is accused of being the "ringleader" of an insurrection linked to a martial law declaration.
• The trial's verdict is expected next month after a lengthy legal battle.

South Korean prosecutors demanded the death penalty for former president Yoon Suk Yeol during a court hearing on January 13, 2025. This demand is based on Yoon's declaration of martial law in December 2024, which allegedly triggered a severe political crisis in South Korea. Yoon is accused of being the "ringleader of the insurrection," although he contends that his actions were intended to raise awareness about the opposition party's obstruction of state affairs, according to BBC and SCMP.

The charges against Yoon stem from his brief attempt to impose military rule, which lasted only a few hours but led to significant turmoil. Prosecutors argued that Yoon had a scheme in place to maintain power, supported by evidence from testimony and documents that indicated a plan to utilize military force against lawmakers. This was detailed at the Seoul Central District Court, where closing arguments took place, and where Yoon's previous actions were said to evoke memories of past military dictatorships in Korea, according to Channel News Asia and Channel News Asia.

Moreover, the trial against Yoon comprises multiple serious charges, including insurrection and abuse of power. If convicted, he would face a punishment that could include the death sentence, though South Korea has not executed anyone in nearly three decades, as noted by numerous sources including BBC and SCMP.

As Yoon's legal battle unfolds, he remains detained, and the public awaits the court's verdict, expected in February 2025. This case is significant not only for its legal implications but also for its reflection on current political tensions in South Korea, highlighting the divide between supporters and opponents of Yoon's past presidency, according to Channel News Asia and Channel News Asia.