South Korean prosecutor seeks death penalty for ex-President Yoon over martial law declaration: 'Self-coup'

A South Korean court heard arguments Tuesday seeking the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, as prosecutors accused the ousted leader of orchestrating a rebellion through his controversial martial law declaration in December 2024.

Independent counsel Cho Eun-suk asked the Seoul Central District Court to impose the sentence, arguing that Yoon’s actions amounted to "anti-state activities" and describing the decree as a "self-coup."

Yoon, a conservative who was removed from office last spring...