S.Korea court sentences ex-president to 2 years in jail in political funding case, media says

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to two years in prison after finding him guilty of violating political funding laws. The Seoul Central District Court determined that Yoon illegally received 14 rounds of opinion polling services worth approximately 270 million won ($179,800) from a political broker at no cost.

The court's ruling stated that Yoon later exercised influence over the nomination of a former lawmaker to repay the broker for the services. This decision contrasts with earlier rulings concerning former first lady Kim Keon Hee, which did not find a quid pro quo in relation to similar polling services.

Yoon has maintained his innocence, denying that he requested the polls or promised anything in return for the services. The sentence handed down on Monday is subject to appeal.

This conviction adds to a series of legal challenges faced by the former president. Yoon, 65, is reportedly involved in eight other legal cases. He is currently appealing a life sentence received in February for charges related to masterminding an insurrection tied to his brief declaration of martial law in 2024. Additionally, a Supreme Court ruling last week finalized a seven-year prison sentence for obstructing authorities attempting to arrest him.