The Fate of the South Korean President Today: Death Penalty or Life Imprisonment?
Seoul, February 19: The Seoul Central District Court will deliver its verdict today in the insurrection trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and removed from office over his imposition of martial law in December 2024.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the verdict hearing is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time (0600 GMT). Yoon will be present in court, and the proceedings will be broadcast live on national television.
A special counsel team had submitted its demand to the court on January 13, seeking the death penalty for Yoon. The team has described Yoon as the ‘mastermind’ of the insurrection. Under South Korean criminal law, a conviction for insurrection can carry the death penalty or life imprisonment, with or without prison labor.
A major political crisis erupted in the country after Yoon unexpectedly declared martial law on December 3, 2024. Following widespread protests condemning the move as unconstitutional, parliament rejected the martial law within hours. Subsequently, an impeachment motion was passed against Yoon, and he was removed from office.
The verdict in this case is considered a decisive turning point in South Korea’s political history. Yoon is the first president in South Korea’s history to be tried on charges of insurrection.
