Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

A Seoul district court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to two years’ imprisonment for violating South Korea’s Political Funds Act. The court found Yoon had accepted free opinion‑polling services worth about 270 million won (≈ $180,000) from political broker Myung Tae‑kyun between April 2021 and March 2022, and had used his influence to repay the favor by supporting a parliamentary nomination.

The judgment also ordered the forfeiture of roughly 13.96 million won and sentenced Myung to 18 months in prison. Yoon’s conviction adds to a series of legal judgments after his impeachment and removal from office following a brief declaration of martial law in December 2024, which already resulted in a life‑sentence for insurrection and a seven‑year term for obstructing authorities. He has denied wrongdoing and announced plans to appeal the decision. In a related case, his former first lady Kim Keon Hee was acquitted of the same polling‑fund charges.

The ruling underscores ongoing scrutiny of high‑level political corruption in South Korea and is expected to influence public trust in democratic institutions.