World"s Longest-Serving Political Prisoner Granted Amnesty

The government on February 22 released the names of the 8,812 people who will be freed from prison or reinstated with full rights to run for office or attain a government position. The amnesty or pardons will officially come into effect on February 25 in honor of President Kim Dae Jung's first-year anniversary in office.
Included in the sweeping amnesty are those serving lengthy sentences for espionage, economic offenses and anti-government activities.
Justice Minister Park Sang Chun said, 'With the anniversary of the new government, we would like to concentrate on national unity and this massive pardon and amnesty represents a form of reconciliation. We hope this measure will be of help in resolving past animosity and in creating a climate that can cope with the current economic hardships.'
North Korean spy Woo Yong Gak, a 71-year-old, whom some regard as the longest-serving political prisoner, will be set free despite his refusal to sign an oath of obedience to the government and its laws. The communist activist has been imprisoned for 39 years, and if North Korea agrees, he might be sent to North Korea if he so chooses.
Also included were former Seoul National University General Students Association representative Paek Tae Woong and former professor Koh Young Bok who participated in anti-government activities.