Special Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty for Yoon Sukyeol as 'Insurrection Ringleader'... Requests Life Sentence for Kim Yonghyun as 'One with Yoon' (Comprehensive)

30 Years Requested for Noh Sangwon, the "Shadow Command" Behind Martial Law
20 Years Sought for Cho Jiho, Former Police Chief

In connection with the December 3 Martial Law, the special prosecution team for insurrection, led by Cho Eunseok, requested the death penalty-the highest sentence under the law-for former President Yoon Seokyeol, who is accused of being the ringleader of the insurrection, on January 13. The team also requested a life sentence for Kim Yonghyun, former Minister of National Defense, who has been identified as the "second-in-command" during the martial law period.

Former President Yoon Seok-yeol and Kim Yonghyun, former Minister of National Defense accused of involvement in important tasks related to the rebellion, among other rebellion-related individuals, are attending the final trial hearing. Provided by Seoul Central District Court Yonhap News Agency

During the sentencing hearing for the insurrection ringleader charge against former President Yoon Seokyeol and the insurrection-related charges against Kim Yonghyun and five other senior military and police officials, which began at 9:20 a.m. before the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun), the special prosecution team made these sentencing requests.

The special prosecution team requested a 30-year prison sentence for Noh Sangwon, former Commander of the Defense Security Command, who is suspected of being part of the "shadow chain of command" during the martial law. They also requested 20 years in prison for Cho Jiho, former Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, who is accused of participating in the blockade of the National Assembly, and 15 years for Kim Bongsik, former Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. In addition, Kim Yonggun, former Provost Marshal Colonel of the Third Army Command, who is accused of conspiring in advance to impose martial law with Noh Sangwon, was recommended for a 15-year sentence; Mok Hyuntae, former Chief of the National Assembly Guard at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was recommended for 12 years; and Yoon Seungyoung, former Director of Investigation Planning and Coordination at the National Police Agency, was recommended for 10 years.

Special Prosecutor Park Eoksoo explained the sentencing recommendations by stating, "The declaration of martial law was a grave act of constitutional destruction by anti-state forces. The defendants have not only failed to show remorse, but have also never apologized to the public. There are no circumstances that would warrant special consideration in their favor." He added, "Strict legal accountability for this insurrection, which threatened the very existence of the Republic of Korea, is the minimum necessary measure to protect the constitutional order and uphold the trust and justice of the criminal justice process."

The heaviest sentence among those indicted alongside former President Yoon for martial law-related charges was requested for former Minister Kim Yonghyun. He is accused of ordering the deployment of armed martial law troops, together with Yoon, to blockade the National Assembly and prevent the resolution to lift martial law.

Special Prosecutor Park stated, "From the planning to the execution stage of the insurrection, the defendant acted as one with Yoon Seokyeol. Together with former President Yoon, he planned and led the insurrection, designing and operating the structure for the military’s involvement. He held a position no different from that of the ringleader."

On January 9, 2025, a supporter is holding a photo of former President Yoon Seokyeol in front of the Seoul Central District Court, where the sentencing hearing for Yoon, who is charged with leading an insurrection, was held. Photo by Yoon Dongju

He continued, "Like former President Yoon, he has not shown any genuine remorse or offered an apology for the insurrection after the declaration of martial law. Given the extreme gravity of his responsibility and the complete lack of extenuating circumstances, a severe punishment is unavoidable. We request a life sentence."

Additionally, Special Prosecutor Park addressed former Commissioner General Cho, who led the police, saying, "He made the unreasonable claim that he had no choice but to follow orders, even though he knew the martial law proclamation was unconstitutional and illegal. The police have been disgraced by their involvement in the insurrection, and it will not be easy to restore their damaged pride and honor."

Following the prosecution’s sentencing requests, the defense’s closing arguments and the defendants’ final statements will proceed, after which the trial will conclude.

The verdict for the first trial is expected to be delivered by mid-February at the latest. In insurrection cases, if there are extenuating circumstances, the court may reduce the sentence. The death penalty may be commuted to life imprisonment or a prison term of 20 to 50 years, and life imprisonment or life detention may be commuted to 10 to 50 years in prison or detention.