Park Geun Hye on Moon Jae-in
TL;DR
The former president was pardoned by Moon Jae-in on compassionate grounds in December 2021 after serving part of her sentence.
Key Points
She was impeached by the National Assembly on 9 December 2016 and subsequently removed from office by the Constitutional Court on 10 March 2017.
Moon Jae-in, her successor, pardoned her on compassionate grounds in December 2021.
After her removal, Park was stripped of most post-presidential benefits but retained security protection under the Presidential Security Act.
Summary
Park Geun Hye's most significant direct interaction with Moon Jae-in occurred when the latter, as the incumbent president, granted her a special pardon. Following her impeachment and removal from office in March 2017, she was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for corruption and abuse of power. Moon Jae-in pardoned his predecessor on compassionate grounds in December 2021, an act which generated considerable public debate in South Korea regarding political reconciliation versus accountability for past actions.
Moon Jae-in, who had narrowly defeated Park Geun Hye in the 2012 presidential election, became her permanent successor following her successful impeachment trial. The pardon, which was announced shortly before the end of his term, was framed as a move to promote national unity. Park Geun Hye was released from custody in March 2022, after serving approximately four years of her initial sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Park Geun Hye's position is largely defined by the events following her removal from office, as Moon Jae-in was her political successor. The most definitive action concerning their relationship was Moon Jae-in's decision to pardon her in December 2021.
Yes, President Moon Jae-in granted a special pardon to the disgraced former president in December 2021. This action was framed as a measure to foster national unity and healing.
Moon Jae-in was elected as the permanent successor to Park Geun Hye in a snap presidential election held on 9 May 2017. This election was advanced following the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold the impeachment.