Ex-South Korean President Awaits Rebellion Verdict in Historic Trial

Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul courtroom Thursday to learn his fate on rebellion charges stemming from his failed martial law attempt. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the December 2024 incident that triggered the nation's worst political crisis in decades.

SEOUL, South Korea — Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul courtroom Thursday to learn whether he’ll face the ultimate punishment for rebellion charges connected to his failed martial law declaration.

The charges stem from what experts call South Korea’s worst political upheaval in decades, when Yoon declared martial law and deployed military forces to encircle the national legislature on December 3, 2024.

Prosecutors are pushing for capital punishment against Yoon, arguing his actions threatened the nation’s democratic foundations and warrant the harshest available penalty.

However, legal experts widely anticipate a life imprisonment sentence instead, noting that Yoon’s bungled power seizure didn’t lead to deaths. The country hasn’t carried out an execution since 1997, maintaining what’s effectively a freeze on death sentences while abolition advocates push for reform.

Seoul Central District Court Judge Jee Kui-youn was scheduled to announce the ruling and punishment Thursday.

Outside the courthouse, competing demonstrations unfolded as Yoon’s transport arrived under heavy police presence. His backers voiced support while opponents demanded his execution.

The court will simultaneously decide cases against seven former military and law enforcement leaders accused of implementing Yoon’s martial law order, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun.

The conservative leader has justified his martial law declaration as essential to counter liberal opposition lawmakers he branded as “anti-state” forces blocking his political agenda through their parliamentary control.

The emergency order survived roughly six hours before collapsing when enough legislators broke through military barriers and voted unanimously to overturn it.

Parliament suspended Yoon from his presidency on December 14, 2024, following his impeachment, and the Constitutional Court officially ousted him in April 2025. He’s remained in custody since July while battling various criminal cases, with the rebellion charge carrying the severest potential consequences.

A separate court handed Yoon a five-year prison term last month for resisting detention, creating fraudulent martial law documents, and bypassing required Cabinet consultations before announcing the measure.

Seoul Central Court has also found two of Yoon’s Cabinet officials guilty, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who received 23 years behind bars for trying to validate the decree through forced Cabinet approval, document falsification, and perjury. Han is challenging that conviction.