Former South Korean President Lee pardoned from prison-sentence

South Korea - Former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and some other politicians and former government officials have been pardoned from their prison-sentence.

South Korean President Eun Suk Yeol, using his constitutional right, waived the prison sentence of former President Lee Myung-bak and the officials under 'special circumstances' on Tuesday.

Lee, who served as president for five years until February 2013, was sentenced to 17 years in prison in October 2020 on charges of bribery and corruption.

With effect from Wednesday, the remaining 15 years of the prison sentence will be exempted with the 'special exception' of the prison life.

Since taking office last May, Yun has pardoned former government officials for the second time as president.