utional order. Yoon was impeached by parliament and later removed from office after the martial law decree sparked nationwide outrage and mass protests. The court is now examining whether his actions constituted insurrection — one of the gravest crimes under South Korean law. Under the criminal code, those convicted of leading an insurrection face only three possible sentences: death, life imprisonment with labour, or life imprisonment without labour. Prosecutors argued that Yoon’s position as president and commander-in-chief made his alleged actions especially dangerous, warranting the harshest possible punishment. Several senior military and police officials are also standing trial in connection with the case, accused of carrying out or facilitating the orders. Yoon has denied all charges, insisting that the declaration of martial law was a lawful measure taken in the interest of national stability. While South Korea has not carried out an execution since 1997, the prosecutors’ demand carries heavy symbolic weight, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the state’s effort to reinforce democratic accountability. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks. Legal experts say that regardless of the sentence ultimately handed down, the trial itself has already reshaped the boundaries of presidential power and accountability in South Korea. Source: The Korea Times