Former South Korean President Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison

On Friday, a court in South Korea sentenced former President Park Geun-hye to 24 years in prison for her involvement in corruption networks. Ms. Park is the first elected president of South Korea to be removed from office last year by a constitutional court order following the exposure of widespread financial scandals at high levels of government. According to Reuters, the court not only convicted her of crimes such as bribery, abuse of power, and intimidation, but also ordered her to pay 18 billion won (approximately $16.9 million). The judge stated during the ruling, "The defendant abused the presidential powers entrusted to her by the people, resulting in disorder and chaos in government. This situation led to the unprecedented impeachment of the president." About a thousand of Ms. Park's supporters gathered around the courthouse, holding banners calling for an end to the "political revenge" against her. The court revealed that Ms. Park, in collaboration with an old friend named Choi Soon-sil, received 7 billion won (about $6.6 million) each from the major companies Lotte Group and Samsung, the world's largest smartphone manufacturer, and had also solicited about 9 billion won from a major energy company. The prosecution had requested a 30-year prison sentence and a payment of $112 million. Ms. Park, 66, who has been in prison since March 31 of last year, denied any wrongdoing and was not present at the court session. The judge noted that Ms. Park had shown no remorse and attempted to shift the blame onto Choi and her secretaries. Reuters recalls that while still in office, Ms. Park had apologized for seeking help from her friend Choi, who had no political experience, which was the only acknowledgment of her wrongdoings. Ms. Park's lawyer stated that she would discuss the possibility of an appeal with her client, adding, "We did everything we could and are sorry for the court's decision. One day, the whole truth will come to light." The court's ruling is a significant blow to Ms. Park, whose presidency began in 2012 as the first female leader of South Korea. Following her removal from power last year, a presidential election was held in which Moon Jae-in, a liberal politician, came to power, and his softer stance towards North Korea has improved relations between the two countries in recent months. The South Korean presidential office stated on Friday that Ms. Park's fate is "tragic" not only for her but for the country, adding that if history is not remembered, it will repeat itself. "We will not forget this day." Two former South Korean presidents were sentenced to long prison terms in 1996 for treason, rebellion, and corruption, but both were granted presidential pardons and released after a few years. However, Mr. Moon pledged upon taking office to end the tradition of pardoning public officials or private sector individuals who are in prison.