South Korea seeks death penalty for ex-President Yoon over martial law bid
CNBC • • world
Key Points:
- South Korea's special prosecutor has requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol for his brief martial law declaration in 2024, charging him with leading an insurrection, a crime not protected by presidential immunity.
- The trial concluded recently, with the court expected to deliver its ruling on February 19; if sentenced to death, it would be South Korea's first execution since 1997.
- Yoon defended his actions as constitutional and aimed at protecting freedom and sovereignty, while prosecutors argued the martial law was intended to extend his power by seizing control of the judiciary and legislature.
- The martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, involved deploying troops to the National Assembly, but was overturned within
