Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to a Disqualification Sentence in First-Instance Ruling for Violation of the Election Law
First-instance sentencing for Yoon Suk Yeol’s violation of the Public Official Election Act, 1 year and 6 months in prison, suspended for 3 years If the Supreme Court confirms the ruling, check the key issues, including the variable of returning 39.7 billion won
The Criminal Division 21 of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to three years of suspended imprisonment with a prison term of one year and six months in its firstinstance ruling on the charge of violating the Public Official Election Act on the 27th. The court found that former President Yoon's remarks constituted the publication of false information that could influence voters' judgment.
This case centered on the part where former President Yoon said during a debate and an interview while he was a presidential candidate that he had never introduced a lawyer to former Yongsan Tax Office chief Yoon Woojin, as well as the part where he minimized and described his relationship with Mr. Jeon Seongbae. Considering his past remarks, phone call records, and the circumstances of their meetings, the court determined that the falsity was established.
If the ruling is finalized by the Supreme Court, the People Power Party, which nominated former President Yoon as its candidate, will have to return 39.7 billion won in election expense reimbursements. Yoon's side said immediately after the ruling that it would appeal and stated that it would challenge the case again in the appellate trial.