South Korean prosecutors seek death penalty for Yoon (Full Transcript)

Name: South Korean prosecutors seek death penalty for Yoon
Uploaded: 2026-01-14T10:09:51+00:00
Channel: GoTranscript
Description: Prosecutors cite alleged insurrection intent after a brief martial law order; Yoon denies charges as court ruling nears Feb. 19.

Prosecutors cite alleged insurrection intent after a brief martial law order; Yoon denies charges as court ruling nears Feb. 19.

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[00:00:00] Speaker 1: Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking the death penalty for impeached President Yoon Suk-kyo. The country hasn't carried out an execution in about 30 years, and Yoon might not get the sentence that prosecutors are asking for. So what's behind this shocking decision? Less than two years ago, the country was plunged into political turmoil after Yoon declared martial law, a move that shocked the public and raised concerns about democratic stability in this major Asian economy and key U.S. ally. Now, Yoon is facing multiple criminal charges, and the most serious is leading an insurrection. No one was killed during the brief martial law declaration, which lasted only about six hours. But prosecutors argue Yoon's intent, which they say was an attempt to monopolize and stay in power, was serious enough to justify the maximum sentence. Yoon denies all charges. He says declaring martial law was within his presidential authority and claims it was intended to draw attention to political gridlock caused by the opposition. Despite losing power, Yoon retained staunch support, particularly among conservative groups. The court is expected to rule on the case on February 19th.

Summary

South Korean prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for impeached President Yoon Suk-kyo over charges including leading an insurrection tied to his brief, six-hour declaration of martial law less than two years ago. Although no one was killed and South Korea has not executed anyone in roughly 30 years, prosecutors argue Yoon’s alleged intent to monopolize power warrants the maximum penalty. Yoon denies wrongdoing, saying martial law was within presidential authority and meant to spotlight opposition-driven gridlock. He retains significant conservative support, and a court ruling is expected on February 19.

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Title

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Impeached South Korean President

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Yoon Suk-kyo Remove

death penalty Remove

martial law Remove

impeachment Remove

insurrection charges Remove

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democratic stability Remove

political turmoil Remove

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February 19 Remove

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Key Takeaways

Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty for former President Yoon over alleged insurrection linked to martial law.
South Korea has not carried out executions in about three decades, making the request notable.
The martial law episode lasted about six hours and caused no deaths, but intent is central to prosecutors’ argument.
Yoon argues the declaration was lawful presidential authority and a political signal about gridlock.
A court decision is expected on February 19, and Yoon retains conservative backing.

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Sentiments

Neutral: The passage uses a factual, news-style tone describing legal actions, political context, and competing claims without overt emotional language, though it notes the decision is 'shocking' and raises concerns about democratic stability.

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