Guilty

South Korean Ex-President Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison

Park Geun-hye committed several abuses of power.

South Korea’s now-ex president Park Geun-hye has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of a string of abuses of power. Park was found guilty of 16 out of 18 charges, with judges ruling that she colluded with her close aide, Choi Soon-sil, to pressure companies into giving millions of dollars to companies and foundations run by Choi. Park was South Korea’s first female president, and served from 2013 until her impeachment in March 2017. On top of her 24-year prison sentence, Park has also been fined 18 billion won ($17 million). The former leader was not in court for the ruling—which was broadcast live to the country—and has boycotted her trial hearings, previously accusing the courts of being biased against her. She has denied any wrongdoing. The scandal has fueled outrage against political and business elites in South Korea.