Counsel seeks death sentence for ex-S. Korean leader Yoon over martial law imposition
ABC News • • world
Key Points:
- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a death sentence demand by an independent counsel on rebellion charges linked to his December 2024 martial law declaration, which led to his removal from office in April.
- Yoon is undergoing eight trials for various criminal charges, with the rebellion accusation being the most serious; the Seoul Central District Court is expected to deliver a verdict in February, with experts predicting a life sentence since South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997.
- Yoon defended his martial law decree as a peaceful attempt to counter the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which he accused of obstructing his agenda and labeled as “anti-state forces.”
- The martial law imposition, involving armed troops encircling Seoul’s National Assembly,
