Translated with AI
On February 19, a Seoul court will deliver a verdict in the case of former South Korean President Yun Seok-yul, who is accused of attempting to impose martial law in the country. A special prosecutor's team has requested the death penalty for the former president.
According to the prosecutor's office, Yun Seok-yul attempted to impose martial law to prolong his hold on power by seizing control of the judiciary and legislative branches. The indictment notes that the crime is grave, as the former president mobilized material resources intended solely for the interests of the national community.
During the reading of the sentencing motion, Yun Seok-yul "smiled faintly from the courtroom," while some of his supporters expressed their displeasure with loud shouts. The trial lasted approximately 11 hours.
Previously, on December 26, 2025, the special prosecutor requested a 10-year prison sentence for Yun on charges of obstruction of justice. At that time, prosecutors had requested five years for attempting to obstruct investigators' arrest in January 2025, three years for violating the rights of nine cabinet members and disseminating false information in the foreign press, and two years for drafting and destroying a false decree declaring martial law.
The former president is also charged in three other criminal cases related to the attempted imposition of martial law, including a charge of leading a coup. In November 2025, a special prosecutor's team charged Yoon with aiding North Korea and abuse of power for allegedly sending drones to the DPRK in October 2024. According to investigators, the former president intended to provoke hostilities and use them as a pretext for declaring martial law, which, according to law enforcement, benefited the enemy.
The political crisis in South Korea began in December 2024, when, amid budget disputes, Yun Seok-yeol declared martial law, citing the opposition's "anti-state activities." Parliament refused to approve the decision, and the following morning, Yun rescinded the decree. On December 14, 2024, lawmakers impeached the former president, who was confirmed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025.
On January 15, 2025, Yun Seok-yeol was arrested. The first arrest attempt was repelled by the presidential guard. The court ordered the former president's arrest, but on March 8, 2025, it granted the defense's motion and released him. In July 2025, Yun was arrested again.
