Ex-President Lee says sorry for causing concern to people upon return home following pardon

Former President Lee Myung-bak returns home from Seoul University Hospital in the capital, Dec. 30. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Former President Lee Myung-bak said Friday he is sorry for causing concern to people as he returned home after a special presidential pardon canceled his remaining prison term for corruption.

Lee was put into detention in March 2018 for alleged bribery and embezzlement before the Supreme Court finalized a 17-year prison term in 2020. Since June this year, he had been staying at a hospital after the prosecution suspended his prison term for health reasons.

The special pardon, granted Tuesday, canceled his remaining prison term of roughly 15 years and some 8.2 billion won ($6.5 million) of unpaid fines.

"I am deeply sorry for causing concern to the people," the 81-year-old told reporters upon his return home from a Seoul hospital where he had been under treatment for diabetes and other chronic illness.

Former President Lee Myung-bak speaks in a message to the nation as he returns home from Seoul University Hospital in the capital, Dec. 30. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

"I would also like to thank many people, including young people, who have supported and prayed for me over the past five years," he said.

Saying that he would like to offer words of comfort to all those who suffered due to the pandemic, the devout Christian said he will fulfill his role by praying for the country.

"By hoping for the prosperity of the Republic of Korea and praying for it, I will serve my role," he said.

Lee urged people to come together to overcome a global crisis.

"For the Republic of Korea to overcome a global crisis, every one of our people should unite our strength," Lee said, stressing the importance of unity for the country to achieve economic prosperity and provide jobs and better welfare for the people.

Lee did not elaborate on how he feels about the special pardon. (Yonhap)

Former President Lee Myung-bak receives flowers as he returns home from Seoul University Hospital in the capital, Dec. 30. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul