Yoon Shows Faint Smile at Special Prosecutor's Death Penalty Request... Laughter and Expletives Erupt in Courtroom

Former President Yoon Seok-yeol showing a smile during the decision trial of the leader of the insurrection. Provided by Seoul Central District Court Yonhap News Agency

On January 13, the special prosecutor team for insurrection, led by Cho Eunseok, requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is accused of being the leader of the insurrection. At the moment the sentence was requested, former President Yoon showed a faint smile, and an expletive, "son of a b****," was shouted from the gallery.

On January 13, Special Prosecutor Park Eoksoo asked the court to sentence former President Yoon to death during the final trial for his alleged role as the leader of the insurrection, held at the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Agreement Division 25 (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun). The special prosecutor team explained the reasoning for the request, stating, "The declaration of martial law was a grave act of constitutional destruction by anti-state forces," and added, "He has never once apologized to the people, let alone shown any remorse. There are no circumstances that would warrant special consideration in favor of the defendant."

On this day, former President Yoon, who was sitting in the defendant’s seat with short hair and dressed in a navy suit, displayed a faint smile when Special Prosecutor Park requested the death penalty.

The courtroom became chaotic following the sentencing request. Supporters seated in the gallery hurled insults such as "crazy b****" and "son of a b****" at the special prosecutor team, while some spectators burst into laughter. There was also a strong reaction from the gallery when Special Prosecutor Park requested a life sentence for former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun. The court requested, "Please remain quiet."

Courtroom 417 at the Seoul Central District Court, where the sentencing request for former President Yoon was made, is also the place where, 30 years ago in 1996, prosecutors requested the death penalty for former President Chun Doo-hwan, who was charged as the leader of an insurrection.

After the special prosecutor team’s sentencing request, the defense’s closing argument and the defendant’s final statement will follow, concluding the proceedings.