Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was found guilty of making false statements during his presidential campaign, according to a verdict handed down by the Seoul Central District Court. The conviction marks another legal setback for the ousted leader, who was removed from office in April 2025 following a brief martial law declaration issued in December 2024.
The court imposed an 18-month prison sentence that was suspended for three years. Judges determined that Yoon’s false statements during the campaign period may have influenced voters’ ability to make fair assessments of the candidates. Yoon listened without comment as the verdict was announced and has indicated plans to appeal the decision through higher courts.
The conviction specifically relates to two instances of alleged dishonesty. In a January 2022 interview, Yoon downplayed his relationship with a fortune teller who was later found to have acted as an intermediary between his wife and the Unification Church. Additionally, at a December 2021 news conference, Yoon falsely denied introducing a defense attorney to a former Seoul tax official under investigation for bribery when he served as a state prosecutor in 2012.
If the ruling is upheld by higher courts, the People Power Party could be required to return approximately 40 billion won, or roughly $27 million, in government-reimbursed election expenses. South Korean law mandates the return of such funds when candidates receiving more than 15% of votes are convicted of election law violations. Yoon’s party spokesperson indicated the case will not be finalized until the Supreme Court issues its ruling.
Yoon continues to face seven ongoing criminal trials. In February, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on rebellion charges related to his martial law decree, while another case was already finalized by the Supreme Court earlier this month, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence for circumventing Cabinet procedures and resisting arrest.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI