Former President Yoon Suk-yeol Fully Denies Charges in First Trial for Political Funds Act Violation

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol denied the charges at the first trial for 'free opinion polls' held at the Seoul Central District Court on the 17th, stating he never entered into a contract related to opinion polls with Mr. Myung Tae-gyun and that both Kim Keon-hee and Mr. Myung were acquitted. The defense lawyer added that no contract was signed with Mr. Myung or the 'Mirae Hankook Research Institute,' and that Mr. Myung independently decided whether and how to conduct the opinion polls.

Yoon's side emphasized that the nomination process for former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Young-sun was decided fairly through specific internal discussions and a vote, and that President Yoon did not issue any directives.

The special prosecution team stated that Yoon Suk-yeol conspired with Kim Keon-hee to receive approximately 270 million won worth of opinion polls for free from Mr. Myung, and in return, exercised influence over the nomination of lawmaker Kim.

The court plans to conduct witness examinations for Kim Keon-hee at the next hearing on April 14th, followed by witness examinations for Kang Hye-kyung and former director Kim Tae-yeol, and then questioning of the defendants to conclude the arguments.