South Korean court sentences former President Yoon to two years for illegal poll scheme

A Seoul court on Monday sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to two years in prison after finding he illegally obtained free, manipulated opinion polls from political broker Myung Tae-kyun. The court said the polls, conducted between June and October 2021, were used to influence Yoon’s bid for his party’s 2022 presidential nomination. Myung, who received 1½ years for the same offense, was accused of providing the data in exchange for Yoon’s political support, including backing former lawmaker Kim Young-sun for a legislative by-election.

The ruling adds to six other cases pending against Yoon, who was impeached last year following a brief declaration of martial law in December 2024. The Supreme Court recently upheld a separate seven-year sentence for Yoon, and his legal team said they will appeal the new judgment, arguing the evidence is insufficient.

"Yoon violated the political funding law by receiving free, manipulated polls in return for political favors," the Seoul Central District Court said.

Yoon’s appeal will also cover a February life sentence related to a rebellion charge stemming from the December 2024 incident.