A South Korean appeals court on Wednesday (November 4, 2026) upheld former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 18-month suspended sentence for spreading disinformation on the campaign trail, a ruling that could force the opposition to repay nearly $30 million.
Wednesday’s (November 4, 2026) ruling affirmed a lower court verdict that found Mr. If the ruling is upheld by South Korea’s top court, the People Power Party — Yoon’s former party — would be forced to repay 39.7 billion won ($29.6 million) to the National Election Commission. Yoon’s 2022 presidential election victory. Under South Korean law, the National Election Commission reimburses political parties for their campaign expenses if their candidates win at least 15% of the vote, a measure designed to limit the influence of money in politics.
However, if a candidate is imprisoned or fined at least one million won for election-related offences, their election is invalidated and their party must return the funds. Yoon guilty of violating election laws by making false statements during his campaign, including lying about his ties to a shaman. The ruling could also invalidate Mr.
“The defendant, who had a duty to provide voters with accurate information on which to base their judgement, disseminated disinformation,” the presiding judge said during the televised sentencing at the Seoul High Court.
The amount the PPP could be forced to repay represents roughly one-third of the beleaguered party’s assets, according to election commission filings.
