Jeong Cheong-rae: "MB, Whose Tricks Don't Work, Stay Healthy"

Former President Lee Myung-bak Reincarcerated, 17-Year Prison Sentence and 13 Billion Won Fine Confirmed

Former President Lee Myung-bak, who was indicted on charges of embezzling funds while effectively owning the automobile parts company 'Das' and receiving large bribes from Samsung and others, is heading to the courtroom as he attends the appellate sentencing trial held on the afternoon of February 19 at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, evaluated the confirmation of a 17-year prison sentence for former President Lee Myung-bak, who was indicted on charges of embezzlement and bribery, saying "tricks did not work."

On the 29th, Jeong posted on his Facebook, "Although it is unfortunate on a human level due to his old age, there can be no exceptions before the equality of law that no one can escape," he pointed out.

He continued, "Having served time in prison myself, I know that being newly imprisoned and re-incarcerated are the hardest and most painful," adding, "(Still) what can be done, I hope he stays healthy."

Earlier, according to multiple media outlets, the court dismissed the appeal and confirmed the original verdict in the final appeal hearing of former President Lee, who was indicted on charges including bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. Along with this, a 17-year prison sentence, a fine of 13 billion KRW, and a confiscation of approximately 5.78 billion KRW were confirmed.

As a result, former President Lee, who was released earlier this February following the court's decision to suspend the execution of his detention, will return to prison.