South Korean prosecutors, led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok, are seeking a 10-year sentence for multiple charges laid against the ousted president, Yoon Suk Yeol. The charges include obstruction of arrest, primarily stemming from his 15 days spent barricaded in the official presidential residence after his declaration of martial law was overturned by the National Assembly and an arrest warrant was issued. He is also accused of ordering sensitive data relating to the martial law declaration to be deleted. Yoon was formally dismissed as president following a ruling by the Constitutional Court of Korea in April.

Yoon’s defense has called the 10-year request “excessive, based on weak legal and factual grounds and political framing.” Yoon continues to deny all charges against him, and his counsel maintains he acted within the confines of the law and that the trial has become a public witch-hunt where his guilt has been presumed.

This trial is the first of seven related to Yoon’s failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. Further trials will be conducted regarding alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act during his time spent in office. These charges include corruption, bribery, and stock manipulation.

Other leaders have also been charged in connection with the martial law declaration. Choi Sang-mok and Han Duck-soo have been charged with dereliction of duty following their failure to appoint the justices for the Constitutional Court, as recommended by the National Assembly.

Yoon is also being prosecuted in a separate trial where he faces charges of insurrection, which carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

The Seoul Central District Court is set to decide a ruling on the present case on January 16, but this is likely to be pushed back if Yoon’s defence submits additional evidence.