◀ Anchor ▶
Former President Lee Myung-bak, who received a special pardon, left the hospital and returned home today.
It was 2 years and 7 months to complete the actual sentence during the 17 year prison term.
He said he was sorry for causing public concern, but an aide said that did not mean he was admitting his guilt.
Reporter Jo Hee-won covered the story.
◀ Report ▶
Former President Lee Myung-bak was released in a wheelchair from Seoul National University Hospital, where he had been hospitalized.
After stopping by Somang Church, I returned to my home in Nonhyeon-dong.
In front of the house, Lee Jae-oh, Standing Councilor of People’s Power, former Chief of Staff Lim Tae-hee, and former Minister Maeng Hyung-gyu, etc. appeared.
Representatives Kwon Seong-dong and Yoon Han-hong, who were from Lee Myung-bak’s former family and are now Yoon Seok-yeol, also stood out.
Former President Lee gave a message after greeting each person.
[이명박/전 대통령]
“I’m bored and very sorry for causing anxiety to the people.”
He also said that 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 an opportunity to do so in the future.”
Regarding the comment of “I apologize,” an aide to former President Lee said, “Take it literally. It doesn’t mean I admit the allegations.”
Former President Lee was sentenced to 17 years in prison for bribery and theft in 2020.
At the time, he said, “The rule of law has collapsed. The Supreme Court was not fair or just.”
Lee Myung-bak’s family is in charge of key positions to the extent that Yoon Seok-yeol’s government is said to be the 2nd term of Lee Myung-bak’s government.
[권성동/국민의힘 의원]
“There was a saying that you should do a good job supporting Yoon Seok-yeol’s government so it can succeed.”
President Yoon Seok-yeol spoke with 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 is gone because he turns the country upside down by committing injustice and is restored if he is pardoned.”
This is MBC News Jo Hee-win.
Video commentary: Kim Dong-se, Heo Won-cheol, Kim Jun-hyeong / Video editing: Yoon Chi-young
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