Political situation in South Korea

Prosecutors want to see Yoon in prison for ten years

Prosecutors in South Korea are demanding a ten-year prison sentence for the country's ousted former president Yoon Suk-Yeol, AFP reports.

Yoon is currently on trial in one of several cases involving obstruction of justice when he tried to escape his own arrest earlier this year. He will also stand trial in three other cases related to his declaration of martial law in December 2024. The first verdict is expected in January.

Yoon was removed from office in April when the country's constitutional court ruled that his declaration of martial law did not meet the legal requirements for a national emergency.

The twists and turns surrounding Yoon - important events

2024, december: President Yoon Suk-Yeol declares martial law on December 3, parliament overturns the decision after six hours. The opposition launches impeachment proceedings, thousands demonstrate in Seoul.

2025, January:  Police try to arrest Yoon Suk-Yeol in Seoul but are stopped by thousands of supporters. Yoon denies the charges and says he will accept the impeachment verdict.

2025,April: Yoon Suk-Yeol is impeached on April 4 for declaring martial law. The Constitutional Court calls the action a betrayal of the people's trust.

2025, May: Yoon Suk-Yeol is indicted for abuse of power and sedition. The conservative PPP nominates Kim Moon-Soo as its presidential candidate after internal turmoil.

2025, June: Lee Jae-Myung wins the presidential election on June 3 with 51.7 percent. The election is held six months after martial law, and the country remains polarized.

2025, July: Yoon Suk-Yeol is arrested again and placed in solitary confinement, suspected of attempted coup and destruction of evidence. He faces life imprisonment or the death penalty.

2025, August: Yoon's wife Kim Keon-Hee is indicted for bribery, both spouses are in custody. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo is indicted for aiding and abetting rebellion.

2025, december: 2025, December: Parliament holds "dark march" to commemorate martial law one year later. Over 200 people attend, former President Yoon is impeached in April.