The return of ex-president Park Geun-hye to Korean politics

Park Geun-hye, sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in prison, has once again become a figure to be reckoned with in Korean politics.

AP - Lee Jin-man

Text by: RFI Follow

2 mins

In South Korea, in a few weeks, the conservatives will rule the country again, only five years after the vast corruption scandal which led to the dismissal and the conviction of the former president at the time, Park Geun-hye.

And one of the unexpected consequences of this return to business for the right is precisely the rehabilitation of the fallen former leader, who has been free for a few months.

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With our correspondent in Seoul

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A former outcast rehabilitated by her executioner.

The image of President-elect

meeting with former President Park Geun-hye is intriguing, as Yoon as Attorney General had played a key role in Park Geun-hye's conviction for corruption and abuse to be able to.

► To read also: South Korea: the 20-year prison sentence against ex-President Park confirmed

The pardon of President Moon Jae-in allowed the former leader to be free again on January 1, after 4 years and 9 months behind bars.

And Yoon Seok-yeol is working to make her popular again.

The one who will soon lead the world's tenth economy traveled last week to Daegu, the country's third largest city, stronghold of the conservatives, to meet for nearly an hour with the former leader.

Regret

And during the meeting, he expressed regret, assured that he would do everything to restore his honor and promote his action at the head of the country.

He even claimed to be inspired by the governance methods of Park Geun-hye's father, Park Chung-hee.

A particularly violent dictator who ruled South Korea with an iron fist for 17 years.

This visit aims to flatter the conservative electorate still very favorable to the former president, with the approach of the local elections at the beginning of June.

The candidate of the right-wing party for the city of Daegu is also a protege of the dictator's daughter.

Guest

This forced rehabilitation divides public opinion, marked by the anti-corruption movement called "candle revolution" which had expressed a desire for equality in 2016 ejecting Park Geun-hye from power.

The ultimate symbol of Park's return to center stage, she is invited to Yoon Seok-yeol's investiture ceremony on May 10.

► To read also

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• South Korea

• Park Geun-hye

• Corruption

• Justice