[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak may spend next year's Chuseok holiday at their homes instead of in detention centers. This is because opposition presidential candidates have pledged to pardon the two as part of their campaign promises. The presidential election will be held on March 9 next year. If a new president from the opposition is elected, there is a high possibility that the two former presidents will be released from detention.
During this holiday, which could be their last Chuseok in detention, the two former presidents will spend the time alone in solitary confinement without meeting their families.
According to the legal community on the 18th, correctional facilities will significantly reduce inmates' internal and external contacts during the Chuseok holiday period, including prohibiting face-to-face visits with family or acquaintances due to the implementation of Level 4 social distancing in the metropolitan area. The joint ancestral rites traditionally held during the holiday will also not be conducted this time. General visits and exercise will be restricted as well.
Former President Park is expected to receive traditional holiday foods such as brown rice gangjeong, rice cakes, and yakgwa on Chuseok day at Seoul Detention Center to ease her loneliness. Former President Lee will have special holiday meals including peaches and mango juice at Anyang Prison.
Outside of these times, the two former presidents are expected to mainly watch TV in their solitary cells. The Correctional Headquarters has decided to actively guarantee TV viewing rights while restricting inmates' external activities. They plan to allow free access to broadcasts from the three major terrestrial broadcasters during the holiday period. There is also a possibility they will spend time reading. According to the legal community, both former presidents are known to enjoy reading books in their solitary cells at the detention center.
Former President Park was convicted in cases involving state affairs manipulation, receiving special activity funds from the National Intelligence Service, and interference in candidate nominations, receiving a confirmed sentence of 22 years in prison along with fines and confiscations totaling 21.5 billion won, and is currently serving her sentence. Former President Lee, indicted on charges of bribery and embezzlement using the auto parts company 'Das', received a confirmed sentence of 17 years in prison.
Former President Park was hospitalized at Gangnam St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in July for observation following shoulder surgery and treatment of chronic back pain, and was discharged on the 20th of last month after about a month, returning to Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. Former President Lee was also hospitalized at Seoul National University Hospital at the end of July for treatment of chronic illness and was discharged on the 2nd of last month, returning to Anyang Prison.
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