<Anchor>
The target of the New Year's special pardon centered on politicians was confirmed and announced.
Former President Lee Myung-bak was exempted from the remaining 15 years of his sentence and was reinstated.
Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Gyeong-soo was exempted from execution of the remainder of his sentence without reinstatement.
Former Governor Kim, who had revealed that he did not want an amnesty, expressed regret that "national integration does not work this way" as he left Changwon Prison at dawn today (28th).
This is reporter Han Seong-hee.
<Reporter>
A little past midnight, former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Gyeong-soo walks out the front gate of Changwon Prison.
He was sentenced to two years in prison for the 'comment manipulation' case during the past presidential election, and was pardoned five months before the expiration of his sentence.
[Kim Kyung-soo/Former Governor of South Gyeongsang Province: This pardon is like forcing me to receive a gift I don't want to receive.
I can't say thank you because it's a gift I didn't want...
.]
Former Governor Kim, who had previously submitted an application for pardon, expressed regret that the government had pardoned him without a lottery, referring to 'national unity'.
[Kim Kyung-soo/Former Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do: (The government) says it is for national integration, but integration is not achieved through one-way or strikes in this way...
.]
Former Governor Kim, who was pardoned without a lottery, is restricted from running for election until December 2027, and cannot run for public office.
Although he kept quiet about future political moves, etc., within the Democratic Party, the so-called 'pro-Roh' and 'pro-Moon'
Former Governor Kim is scheduled to visit the tomb of former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae, and his father's grave in Goseong, one after the other, at around 10 am today.
(Video coverage: Seo Jin-ho, Video editing: Won-hee Won)