South Korean prosecutors have renewed their call for the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk-yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law, arguing that his actions posed a serious threat to the country's democratic institutions.

The team led by special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk reiterated the demand during an appeal hearing in Seoul on Thursday, maintaining that Yoon's attempt to impose military rule constituted a grave challenge to South Korea's constitutional order.

Yoon's failed martial law declaration triggered a major political crisis in South Korea, sparking widespread public outrage and intensifying scrutiny of his leadership.

The case has become one of the most consequential legal battles in the country's recent political history, raising questions about presidential accountability, the limits of executive power and the protection of democratic institutions.

The renewed demand for the death penalty underscores the severity of the charges against the former president, although the final outcome will depend on the judicial proceedings. (ILKHA)