The facts
The appellate court dismissed Yoon's challenge and maintained the sentence of 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, for two campaign statements it found false. [1][2][3]
If the verdict becomes final, South Korea's election law requires the People Power Party to return about 39.7 billion won (roughly US$30 million) in reimbursed campaign expenses; the law also invalidates the candidate's election. [1][2][3]
Yoon's lawyers said they planned to appeal to the Supreme Court, so the case has not reached a final judgment. [1][2][3]
The false-statement charges concerned Yoon's campaign comments about introducing a lawyer to a former tax official and his relationship with a shaman, according to the reports. [1][2][3]
Still unconfirmed
- The Supreme Court appeal has not been decided, and the date of any final judgment is unknown.
- The amount that would be returned is conditional on the conviction becoming final; no repayment is due on the basis of this appellate ruling alone.
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 5 Nov 2026, 03:35 UTC.
Hani, SBS and Yonhap independently report the Seoul High Court ruling and the statutory consequences if it becomes final. A court judgment text was not found in the checked sources; the ruling is attributed to the court accounts, and no final appeal outcome is implied.
- Appeals court upholds conviction for Yoon that could put PPP on hook for 39.7B won in campaign expenses
The Hankyoreh · Reporting · 4 Nov 2026
Original Hani report opened. It describes the ruling, conditional repayment and planned Supreme Court appeal.
- Appellate Court Upholds Prison Sentence and Invalid Election Penalty for Yoon Suk Yeol Over False Statements
Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) · Reporting · 4 Nov 2026
Original SBS report opened. Its court reporter describes both counts and says Yoon's counsel planned a Supreme Court appeal.
- Ex-President Yoon's election law conviction upheld; PPP at risk of returning US$30 mln in campaign funds
Yonhap News Agency · Reporting · 4 Nov 2026
Original Yonhap court report opened; it confirms the conditional election invalidation and reimbursement consequences under the law.