Former President Lee Myung-bak "Sorry for causing concern... The people must unite" (Comprehensive)

"Three Years of COVID Consolation"
"All Citizens Must Unite to Overcome the Crisis"

Former President Lee Myung-bak, who was pardoned and reinstated through President Yoon Suk-yeol's New Year's special pardon, arrived at his residence in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 30th and is delivering a message to the nation. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former President Lee Myung-bak, who was pardoned and reinstated by President Yoon Suk-yeol's New Year's special pardon, said on the 30th, "I sincerely and deeply apologize for causing concern to the people."

On the same day, around 1:56 PM, the former president met with reporters in front of his residence in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and said, "First, I want to apologize to our neighbors for causing them harm." He was released from custody at midnight on the 28th and was discharged from Samsung Seoul Hospital that morning.

He said, "Over the past five years, many people, especially the younger generation, have supported and prayed for me," adding, "I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude."

The former president expressed his condolences to those affected by COVID-19, saying, "I want to offer great comfort to the people who have suffered," and added, "As we welcome the New Year, our Republic of Korea must unite all its people to overcome this global crisis first."

He continued, "As a just and fair liberal democracy, Korea must become a good country where all citizens, especially the working class, can find jobs and enjoy strengthened welfare through economic prosperity. I urge all citizens to join forces." At the same time, the former president also said, "I will play a role by praying for the prosperity of the Republic of Korea and for the country."

When asked about his stance on the special pardon decision, he said, "I have nothing more to say now," and added, "There will be opportunities to say more in the future."