As former President Yoon Seok-youl approaches a pivotal court ruling on charges of insurrection, a recent poll indicates overwhelming public sentiment regarding the expected sentence. Conducted by Korea Research International and commissioned by MBC, the survey reveals that 75% of respondents believe Yoon will either receive the death penalty or life imprisonment after the trial set for the 19th. Notably, among those surveyed, 43% expect a life sentence while 32% foresee a death penalty ruling, indicating a strong collective expectation of Yoon's conviction.

The poll highlights the significant perception of guilt among various demographics, including in traditionally conservative areas such as Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, where 64% anticipate guilty verdicts against Yoon. The sentiment reflects a growing public frustration and demand for accountability from leaders who face serious criminal allegations. This trial has garnered extensive media coverage, and public opinion remains sharply divided, with only 18% of those polled believing in Yoon's innocence, suggesting a dramatic shift in public perception since his presidency.

In parallel, the survey also assessed the trials of other prominent political figures, revealing mixed opinions on their respective sentences. For example, Han Deok-soo, a former Prime Minister, received a sentence of 23 years in prison which 59% of respondents deemed appropriate. Conversely, the sentence handed down to Kim Kun-hee, who received 1 year and 8 months for corruption, drew significant criticism, with 71% finding the ruling inadequate. The changing public sentiment and the outcomes of these trials could influence the political landscape in South Korea significantly as the nation grapples with issues of integrity and justice within its leadership.