[On-site Video] "Greeting You After 5 Years" Former President Park Geun-hye Discharged from Hospital

Arrested on March 31, 2017, for the National Agricultural Control Scandal
First public appearance in 5 years

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "I am greeting the people after 5 years." (Former President Park Geun-hye)

Former President Park Geun-hye was discharged from Samsung Seoul Hospital in Ilwon-dong, Seoul at 8:32 a.m. on the 24th. When asked by reporters about her current health condition, she said, "I have recovered a lot."

Previously, former President Park was detained on March 31, 2017, due to the state affairs manipulation scandal. This is her first public appearance in 5 years.

In front of reporters and supporters, former President Park said, "I have recovered a lot thanks to your great concern," and added, "I would like to express my gratitude to the medical staff and related personnel at Samsung Hospital who devoted themselves to my treatment over the past four months."

Former President Park Geun-hye is paying respects at the grave of her father, former President Park Chung-hee, at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 24th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

However, she did not answer questions about her future plans. Former President Park immediately visited the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery to pay respects at the grave of her late father, former President Park Chung-hee, and then departed for her residence prepared in Dalseong-gun, Daegu.

Supporters celebrated former President Park’s discharge and denied the charges of state affairs manipulation. Mr. Choi, in his 50s, said, "I came out because I truly love and respect former President Park Geun-hye," adding, "Today is a truly emotional moment. It is a historic moment. I hope she enjoys her freedom and clears her name with exoneration and nullification of impeachment. That is the wish of her supporters."

Another supporter, Mr. Sung, in his late 60s, criticized the detention of former President Park as "something that could not happen even in a communist country," saying, "During the nearly 4 years and 7 months, almost 5 years, the people could not see her face once or have a single conversation. Such a situation could not happen in any communist country."

Meanwhile, former President Park, who was serving a 22-year prison sentence confirmed for the state affairs manipulation scandal, was released at midnight on December 31 last year by a special New Year's pardon from President Moon Jae-in.