Amanze Chinonye
South Korea’s special prosecutor on Wednesday indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on allegations that he violated the country’s Political Funds Act by illegally receiving public opinion polls during his time as a presidential candidate, deepening the legal troubles facing the ex-leader.
In a statement, the special prosecution team said Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, are accused of accepting opinion polls valued at about 270 million won (roughly $186,000) between 2021 and 2022 from a political broker.
Under South Korean law, providing or receiving such services without proper reporting constitutes an illegal political donation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelProsecutors allege that the polls were supplied free of charge and were not declared as required, giving Yoon’s campaign an unlawful advantage during the run-up to the 2022 presidential election. Yoon has denied wrongdoing, arguing that he did not request the polls and was unaware they were being provided illegally, according to local media reports.
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The indictment is part of a broader series of investigations by special prosecutors into alleged corruption and abuse of power involving Yoon, his family members and political associates. Separate probes are also examining other allegations linked to his presidency, including claims of misconduct connected to his controversial declaration of martial law in late 2024, which ultimately led to his removal from office.
Yoon, a former top prosecutor who became president in 2022, has appeared for extended questioning by investigators in recent weeks. During one such session, he reportedly rejected multiple accusations, including those related to political funding violations, maintaining that the cases are politically motivated.
Under South Korea’s Political Funds Act, violations can carry penalties ranging from heavy fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence. The special prosecutor said further investigations are ongoing and additional indictments could follow as the probe continues .
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
