[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Former President Park Geun-hye, who was hospitalized at Samsung Seoul Hospital for treatment of a chronic illness while in custody, will continue to receive treatment at an external hospital until early next year.
The Ministry of Justice stated, "Former President Park was initially scheduled to receive about a month of inpatient treatment based on the medical staff's opinion at the hospital, but according to the specialist opinions from orthopedics, dentistry, and psychiatry departments indicating that more than six additional weeks are needed, she will continue inpatient treatment."
The correctional authorities have respected the attending physician's opinion when an inmate is hospitalized at an external hospital to determine the timing of their return. Accordingly, unless former President Park is released through a pardon or suspension of sentence execution, she is expected to be discharged around February next year at the earliest.
Former President Park was admitted to Samsung Seoul Hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd of last month. Since her detention on March 31, 2017, she has received multiple treatments for shoulder and back ailments. She was also hospitalized at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in January and July. In September 2019, she underwent shoulder surgery at St. Mary's Hospital. It is also known that former President Park recently exhibited symptoms of mental instability. Although the exact diagnosis has not been disclosed, she reportedly received related medical care.
Meanwhile, former President Park was sentenced by the Supreme Court to 20 years in prison, a fine of 18 billion KRW, and a confiscation of 3.5 billion KRW for charges including state affairs manipulation and bribery involving the National Intelligence Service's special activity funds.
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