[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] On the 31st at midnight, when former President Park Geun-hye was released through a special New Year's pardon, supporters gathered in front of Seoul Samsung Hospital, where Park was hospitalized.
At around midnight, when the pardon took effect, supporters including members of the Our Republican Party held Taegeukgi flags and placards reading "Nullify Impeachment, Restore Honor" to celebrate Park's pardon. The supporters also shouted, "President Park Geun-hye, we love you. Please stay healthy."
Park's supporters began gathering from around 10 p.m. the previous day to welcome her release. The Taegeukgi National Revolution People's Movement Headquarters (Gukbon) gathered at the rear gate of Samsung Seoul Hospital to hold a welcoming event.
Wreaths celebrating Park's pardon lined the sidewalk in front of the hospital, and a banner reading "Wishing President Park Geun-hye good health" was also installed. Conservative YouTubers also gathered near the hospital to broadcast the pardon welcome rally.
Meanwhile, an event opposing Park's pardon took place. The National People's Action and others held a "Oppose Park Geun-hye Pardon, Condemn Moon Jae-in Government Citizens' Speech" event in front of the Finance Building at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung-gu, Seoul, starting from 7 p.m. the previous day.
During the approximately one-hour event, about ten citizens took the stage to speak, condemning the pardon as an act that betrays the spirit of the candlelight protests and criticizing the current government's decision.
Former President Park, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the state affairs manipulation case and had been incarcerated, was released at midnight on this day after 1,736 days (4 years and 9 months) since her arrest on March 31, 2017, through the special New Year's pardon. It is reported that Park's health deteriorated during her imprisonment, and she is expected to remain hospitalized for treatment at least until early February next year.
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