Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Illegal Polling Services

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Illegal Polling Services

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to two years in prison for illegally receiving opinion polling services from a political broker without payment. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of violating political funding laws by accepting 14 rounds of polling for free and later influencing the nomination of a former lawmaker to repay the favor. Yoon denied the charges, claiming he did not request the polls or promise anything in return. This ruling contrasts with previous cases involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, where no quid pro quo was found in relation to polling services. Yoon, 65, has multiple legal cases pending, including an appeal of a life sentence for masterminding an insurrection tied to a declaration of martial law in 2024. The ruling can be appealed, and Yoon faces other legal challenges, including a seven-year prison sentence for obstructing authorities' attempt to arrest him.