Former President Lee Myung-bak (MB), who was pardoned and reinstated with President Yoon Seok-yeol's New Year's special pardon, said today (30th), "I am deeply sorry for causing concern to the people."
After being discharged from Samsung Seoul Hospital today and arriving at his sister-in-law's residence in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul at 1:56 pm, he met with reporters and made this comment.
He added, "Again, I would like to say thank you for the support and prayers of many people, especially the younger generation, over the past five years, and for taking this opportunity."
Former President Lee said, "Now the new year has come. Last year, our people had a hard time. Over the past three years, the people and business owners have all suffered hardships due to Corona."
He continued, “Now, in order for the Republic of Korea to overcome the global crisis first in the new year, we can overcome this crisis only when all of our citizens join forces.” The people should join forces to make this a good country where everyone, especially the working class, gets jobs and welfare is strengthened," he stressed.
Former President Lee added, "I will do my part by praying for the prosperity of the Republic of Korea and for the Republic of Korea."
When asked about his position and thoughts on the decision on the special pardon, former President Lee said,
Former President Lee began his greetings earlier by saying, "First of all, I would like to say sorry to our neighbors for causing damage to our neighbors."
Former President Lee was pardoned and reinstated through a special New Year's pardon, and became a 'free body' at 0:00 on the 28th, after 4 years and 9 months in prison.
Former President Lee, who was sentenced to prison on charges such as bribery and embezzlement and imprisoned at the Eastern Detention Center on March 22, 2018, received an inpatient treatment at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul after receiving a decision to suspend execution due to deteriorating health in June of this year.
Former President Lee, a devout Christian, left the hospital at 12:54 on the same day and visited Somang Church in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, which he had been to for a long time, before returning to his home in Nonhyeon-dong.