<Anchor>
Kim Kyung-soo, who was specially pardoned, was released from Changwon Prison early today (28th).
Former Governor Kim said it was an unwanted gift and expressed regret, saying, "National integration does not work this way."
This is reporter Han Seong-hee.
<Reporter>
A little past midnight, former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Gyeong-soo walks out of 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, cannot run for public office elections as his right to vote is limited until December 2027.
Although he has kept quiet about future political moves, he is expected to play a pivotal role in the so-called 'pro-Roh' and 'pro-Moon' within the Democratic Party.
(Video coverage: Seo Jin-ho, Video editing: Won-hee Won)