◀ Anchor ▶
Former President Lee Myung-bak, who received a special pardon, was released from the hospital today and returned home.
It was 2 years and 7 months to serve the actual sentence during the 17-year prison sentence.
He said he was sorry for causing public concern, but an aide said that didn’t mean he acknowledged his guilt.
Reporter Jo Hee-won covered the story.
◀ Report ▶
Former President Lee Myung-bak was discharged in a wheelchair from Seoul National University Hospital, where he was being treated.
After stopping at Somang Church, I returned to my home in Nonhyeon-dong.
People’s Power Permanent Advisor Lee Jae-oh, former Chief of Staff Lim Tae-hee, former Minister Maeng Hyung-gyu, etc. appeared in front of the house.
Representatives Kwon Seong-dong and Yoon Han-hong, who were from the former Lee Myung-bak and now Yoon Seok-yeol family, also stood out.
Former President Lee gave a message after greeting each person.
[이명박/전 대통령]
“I’m bored and very sorry for causing people concern.”
He also said he would play a role through prayer for the prosperity of the Republic of Korea.
However, there was no specific apology.
[이명박/전 대통령]
“I have nothing more to say now, but I will have the opportunity to do so in the future.”
Regarding the “I apologize” remark, an aide to former President Lee said, “Please take it literally. It doesn’t mean I admit the allegations.”
Former President Lee was sentenced to 17 years in prison for corruption and embezzlement in 2020.
At the time, he said, “The rule of law has collapsed. The Supreme Court was neither fair nor just.”
The Lee Myung-bak family is responsible for key positions to the extent that the government of Yoon Seok-yeol is said to be the government of Lee Myung-bak season 2.
[권성동/국민의힘 의원]
“It was said that you should do a good job of supporting Yoon Seok-yeol’s government so that it can be successful.”
President Yoon Seok-yeol talked to former President Lee Myung-bak on the phone for about 3 minutes and said, “Please play a role for the country.”
The Democratic Party criticized: “It seems that the crime has disappeared because it turns the country upside down by committing injustices and is reinstated if it is pardoned”.
This is MBC News Jo Hee-won.
Video coverage: Kim Dong-se, Heo Won-cheol, Kim Jun-hyeong / Video editing: Yoon Chi-young
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