As cameras flashed, she slowly walked out from the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul. Hundreds of supporters cheered her on: “Park Geun Hye!” President!”
“For the first time in five year, I send greetings to all of you. Park stated that her health has greatly improved thanks to your care. Park thanked the medical staff at the hospital and stepped into a black sedan, without asking any questions.
After that, she stopped at a cemetery to offer flowers and incense to Park Chung-hee (slain military dictator) and bowed in silent tribute.
Park was greeted by a large crowd waving balloons and national flags as they chanted her name. Police were present at Park’s high-walled home in Daegu, her southern hometown. Hundreds of wreaths were placed along a path that led to her residence. Others held banners featuring photos of Park and her father, as well as signs asking for Park’s forgiveness or wishing her happiness.
Park smiled broadly through her COVID-19 mask as she stepped out of her car and hugged the child who gave her flowers. Park then stood in front of her gate and gave a thank you message to her supporters. The crowd interrupted her speech briefly when someone threw what appeared like a bottle, which shattered nearby. Bodyguards were called in to protect her and to raise screens.
Park stated that the past five years had been very difficult for her to endure. She thanked her neighbors in Daegu’s Dalseong, where she was elected a four-time lawmaker between 1998 and 2008.
Park stated that she would like to make “even small” contributions to the country but did not mention plans to return to politics.
“While I was president, while I tried hard to work to support our nation and people, I was unable to fulfill many of my dreams. Park stated that those dreams now belong to others.
Park was removed from office and sentenced to prison for Bribery and other offenses in 2017. It was a shocking fall from grace. Park described herself as a victim in political revenge, and she refused to attend many of her trials.
Conservatives, initially in turmoil by her fall, managed to win this month’s presidential elections, narrowly, after they fielded a candidate who had sent her to prison.
President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol was part a special investigation team, which indicted Park for bribery and abuse of power in 2017. This made her the central figure of an influence-peddling scheme that also included a dark confidante, a billionaire Samsung heir, and many other people.
Park’s supporters at hospital vented anger towards Yoon when she was released. They shouted that Yoon was a “traitor”, “treacherous criminal” but there was no major fight with police.
Yoon, who will take office May 10, said that he wished Park a speedy recovery from her health issues and hopes to visit her soon in Daegu. Yoon answered a question about whether he would invite Park to the inauguration ceremony.
Park had already served less than 25% of her 22 year sentence. President Moon Jaein pardoned Park in December, citing Park’s health issues and the need to foster unity in the face pandemic-related problems. Moon, who won the 2017 presidential by-elections with ease after Park’s ouster in 2017, sent Park a potted orchid and a ribbon saying “always stay healthy,” according to his office.
Park had been receiving treatment at Seoul’s hospital since November. Park is currently being treated at the Seoul hospital. Although officials have not provided any further information, local media reported that Park was suffering from a lumbar disk problem, a shoulder injury, and dental problems.
Park was once the darling conservatives in South Korea. They celebrate her father, who was a hero for his industrial policies that lifted the country from postwar poverty, despite the brutal suppression of human right. In 2012, she was elected the country’s first female president. She defeated Moon by one million votes.
