Ex-President Yoon indicted for election law violation in 2022 campaign

Ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted on December 26, 2025, by a special counsel team for violating election law through false statements during his March 2022 presidential campaign as the People Power Party candidate. The charges relate to a December 2021 TV debate where he allegedly lied by denying he introduced a lawyer to a former National Tax Service official. This adds to his ongoing trials over a failed December 2024 martial law declaration and insurrection charges.

The indictment, filed in Seoul by special counsel Min Joong-ki's team, accuses Yoon of misleading voters by claiming during the December 2021 debate that he had not connected a lawyer with the tax official.

Yoon, who was removed from office following his brief martial law bid, faces mounting legal scrutiny. He is currently on trial for insurrection and related offenses stemming from the December 2024 events.

Prosecutors' action emphasizes accountability for public figures' statements during elections and the integrity of South Korea's presidential selection process.

Related Articles

Realistic illustration of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul court as prosecutors seek 10-year sentence for obstruction over martial law declaration.
Image generated by AI

Special counsel seeks 10-year prison term for ex-President Yoon over obstruction charges

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

A special counsel team sought a 10-year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday over obstruction of justice and other charges tied to his December 2024 martial law declaration. During the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, prosecutor Cho Eun-suk's team criticized Yoon for severely undermining South Korea's rule of law. This trial marks the first of four martial law-related cases to conclude.

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol will receive his first court verdict this week over obstruction of justice and other charges tied to his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for 2 p.m. Friday and approved live broadcasts due to public interest. This marks the first sentencing among the eight cases he faces.

Reported by AI

A special counsel team concluded on December 15 that former President Yoon Suk Yeol began preparations for his short-lived martial law declaration in or before October 2023, more than a year ahead of the December 2024 imposition. The investigation resulted in indictments against 24 individuals, deeming the plot an insurrection aimed at eliminating political opponents and consolidating power.

The Seoul Central District Court on Friday postponed former President Yoon Suk Yeol's insurrection trial sentencing hearing to Jan. 13, scheduling an extra session for special counsel Cho Eun-suk's penalty recommendations. This update comes amid Yoon's multiple ongoing trials related to his short-lived 2024 martial law declaration.

Reported by AI

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee faced separate trials at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday over corruption allegations, the second such instance. Correctional officials arranged their appearances to avoid crossing paths, as they did not meet during a similar court date in November.

In the final act of its 180-day investigation launched in July 2025—including former President Yoon Suk Yeol's questioning on December 20—the special counsel team on December 29 announced results accusing ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee of corruption, stock manipulation, bribery, and illegal intervention in state affairs. The probe led to 20 detentions and 66 indictments, including Kim; Yoon was referred to police without indictment.

Reported by AI

Building on initial results, special prosecutor Cho Eun-seok's team revealed military intelligence prepared baseball bats and other tools to coerce election officials, amid a 180-day probe indicting 27 and yielding new insights into the Dec. 3 power grab plot.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline