During a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-suk’s team argued that Yoon’s actions constituted a serious threat to South Korea’s “liberal democratic constitutional order,” describing the move as a “self-coup.” Prosecutors said the former president abused his powers in a bid to maintain control, undermining the rule of law and democratic governance.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law in December 2024 plunged the country into a political crisis, sparking mass protests nationwide. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum joined demonstrators in demanding an emergency parliamentary vote, which ultimately rejected the measure. The Constitutional Court later ruled the martial law decree unconstitutional.

Following the ruling, Yoon was impeached, removed from office, and taken into custody. He now faces criminal charges including insurrection and abuse of power related to the martial law declaration.

Court proceedings concluded after an extensive 11-hour trial, during which prosecutors laid out evidence they say proves Yoon deliberately attempted to override constitutional processes. The defence has rejected the accusations, arguing that the former president acted under extraordinary circumstances, a claim prosecutors strongly dispute.

A verdict is expected in February, in what legal experts describe as one of the most consequential political trials in South Korea’s modern history. The case has reignited debate over executive power, democratic safeguards, and the use of capital punishment in the country.