On October 20th, the Democratic Party of Korea, headed by floor leader Han Byung-do, urged the judiciary to expedite the trial concerning former President Yoon Seok-yeol's alleged violations of election law. This call comes just a day after Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in a coup. If found guilty of the election law violations—specifically disseminating false information to mislead voters and illegally receiving polling data—it could result in Yun’s election being invalidated, along with a substantial financial penalty requiring his party to return election funds received during the 2022 presidential campaign.

Han emphasized the financial implications of the trial, arguing that if Yoon faces a fine of 1 million won or more, his party, the People Power Party, would have to return approximately 39.7 billion won, which was subsidized for the presidential campaign. The urgency of the Democratic Party’s request reflects their desire to recover what they consider as taxpayer money, emphasizing their goal to ensure that the funds are quickly returned to the national treasury. This situation exemplifies the ongoing political tension between the two major parties in South Korea, with significant legal and financial stakes.

Furthermore, the election law trial is only one of the eight trials Yoon is currently facing. Allegations center on statements made by Yoon during campaign events, which prosecutors argue constitute false representations designed to influence public opinion. According to the election law, if convicted of such offenses resulting in imprisonment or a fine exceeding 1 million won, Yoon's previous electoral victory could be annulled, leading to ramifications not only for his political future but also for the stability of the People Power Party.