Ex-South Korean leader faces death sentence request from prosecutor

An independent counsel has asked a Seoul court to impose the death sentence on former president Yoon Suk Yeol over rebellion charges tied to his December 2024 martial law declaration. The court is expected to deliver a verdict in February.

An independent counsel asked a Seoul court to sentence former president Yoon Suk Yeol to death on rebellion charges related to his December 2024 declaration of martial law. Yoon was removed from office in April and is currently detained while facing multiple criminal trials. The counsel described the decree as an attempt to undermine constitutional governance. The episode prompted large public protests and put South Korea's institutions under strain. What is known: - Independent counsel requested the death penalty for Yoon on rebellion charges tied to his December 2024 martial law decree. - Yoon was impeached, removed from office in April, and is currently in detention while facing several criminal trials. - The Seoul Central District Court is expected to issue a verdict in February. Summary: The counsel's request represents a significant legal development stemming from the December 2024 martial law declaration. The court will issue its verdict in February, and the final outcome is undetermined at this time.