Park Geun‑hye Gets 25 Years in Jail—A Drama That Keeps on Giving
In a courtroom showdown that felt straight out of a thriller, former South Korean President Park Geun‑hye was handed a hefty 25‑year sentence by the Seoul High Court. The verdict comes on the heels of a sprawling corruption saga that toppled her in 2017 and sent the country into political upheaval.
How the Plot Unfolded
- Park’s premiership, which began in 2012, became a spotlight for alleged bribery when she allegedly colluded with her confidante Choi Soon‑sil.
- They were accused of funneling tens of billions of won into Choi’s family and the charitable foundations she ran.
- After a lower court slapped Park with a 24‑year term in April, prosecutors pushed for a harsher punishment, and the appeals court delivered.
The Verdict in a Nutshell
The court didn’t just hand down a prison sentence. It also slapped Park with a 20‑billion‑won fine (roughly $18 million) for bribery, coercion, and other criminal accusations. The decision was based on evidence that showed Park actively steering companies’ fortunes to benefit Choi’s circle.
What Happens Next?
Park has been behind bars since March 31, 2017, yet she remains unapologetic—claiming she’s never done anything wrong. Fun fact: she skipped the sentencing day, so the court had to conduct the hearing in her absence.
Adding Another Layer: The 8‑Year Extension
In July, a separate court case—also born from the same corruption web—found Park guilty of messing with government finances and meddling in a 2016 parliamentary election. That trial added an extra 8 years to her sentence, making the total duration even more ambitious.
Political Ripple Effects
Park’s downfall set the stage for the election that brought Democrat Moon Jae‑in to power. Moon’s diplomatic approach has noticeably softened relations with North Korea, painting a very different picture from the era of Park’s administrative style.
So while the legal eagles are busy deciding the length of Park’s time behind bars, South Korea watches the next chapters unfold—probably with fewer drama and more policy.
