(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae expects verdict on death penalty sought for ex-President Yoon in accordance with law

▲ Former President Yoon Suk Yeol (4th from R) attends the final hearing of his insurrection trial at the Seoul Central District Court in the capital on Jan. 13, 2026, in this photo provided by the court. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae-Yoon trial

(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae expects verdict on death penalty sought for ex-President Yoon in accordance with law

(ATTN: ADDS reaction from ruling party in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday that it expects a court to deliver a verdict for former President Yoon Suk Yeol in accordance with the law and in a manner that meets public expectations, after the special counsel demanded the death penalty over his failed martial law imposition.

"Cheong Wa Dae would expect the judiciary to deliver a verdict on the special counsel's sentencing request in accordance with the law and principles, and in a manner that meets public expectations," it said in a message to media shortly after the sentencing demand was made.

A special counsel team demanded the death penalty for the ousted president in the final hearing of the trial on Tuesday, just over a year after the then leader declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, with the stated aim of eradicating anti-state forces.

The ruling Democratic Party (DP) called the sentencing request "a commonsense conclusion."

"It is a declaration that the law will hold those responsible to the most severe accountability for acts that sought to destroy the constitutional order and overturn the people's sovereignty by force," DP spokesperson Park Soo-hyun said in a commentary.

"It is a commonsense conclusion that meets public expectations," he said, adding that the court should allow no leniency in its ruling.

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