FORMER SOUTH KOREA PRESIDENT YOON SENTENCED OVER CAMPAIGN FALSEHOODS

A South Korean court sentenced former president Yoon Suk-yeol to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, on Monday after finding him guilty of violating election law by making false statements during his 2022 presidential campaign. The Seoul Central District Court determined that Yoon made false claims when he denied introducing a lawyer to a former tax official and stated that he and his wife, former first lady Kim Keon-hee, had not met shaman Jeon Seong-bae. The court found both relationships had actually existed and came under scrutiny during the election campaign. Yoon has stated he plans to appeal the verdict through his legal counsel.

The sentence, if upheld on appeal, could require Yoon's People Power Party to return 39.7 billion won (approximately US$27.1 million) in election expenses reimbursed by the National Election Commission following his presidential election victory. Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison term, arguing that Yoon's false statements helped reduce public scrutiny of the allegations during the presidential race. The court ruled that when a candidate makes false announcements at high-impact public events such as debates and interviews, the effect on voters' decision-making is significant. Yoon has denied any wrongdoing.

The conviction adds to existing legal difficulties for the ousted leader, who was sentenced to life in prison for insurrection earlier this year. The case centred on relationships and associations that became matters of public concern during Yoon's campaign for the presidency. The appeals process will determine whether the suspended sentence becomes enforceable and whether the party must repay the disputed election expenses.