South Korean court gives ousted President Yoon suspended jail term for lying during campaign

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been convicted of making false statements during his presidential campaign. A Seoul court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, stating his statements may have influenced voters' judgment. The conviction stems from downplaying his relationship with a fortune teller and falsely denying introducing an attorney to a tax official under investigation. This ruling could force Yoon's People Power Party to repay approximately $27 million in government-reimbursed election expenses if upheld by higher courts. Yoon has denied the charges and appealed the verdict. He was previously removed from office in April 2025 following his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024.

A South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk-yeol to an 18-month prison term, suspended for three years. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of violating election law by making false statements during his 2022 presidential campaign. Specifically, the court determined Yoon falsely denied introducing a lawyer to a former tax official and falsely claimed he and his wife had not met shaman Jeon Seong-bae. If the sentence is upheld on appeal, Yoon's People Power Party may be required to return approximately $27.1 million in reimbursed election expenses.