Former President Lee Myung-bak seen for first time since pardon

Former President Lee Myung-bak greets former colleagues and supporters in front of his house in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, on Friday. It was his first public appearance since being pardoned. [YONHAP]

Former President Lee Myung-bak was seen in front of his home Friday, his first public appearance since his pardon on Dec. 28.

Lee, who was greeted by former colleagues and supporters in front of his house in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, apologized to the public for causing worries.

“A New Year is ahead of us,” Lee said. “In the last three years, many people and businesses faced such difficulties under Covid-19.

“I wish to send my condolences.”

Lee added that in order for Korea to be the first to overcome the global crisis, the people need to unite.

“The people have to join forces in creating a good country where low-income people can get jobs and welfare is strengthened through the prosperity of the country, which is a just, fair and free democracy,” Lee said.

Lee was among the 1,371 that pardoned by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Lee served two years of a 17-year jail sentence for embezzlement and bribery.

The former president was admitted to Seoul National University Hospital in June this year for health reasons.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]