In a landmark ruling, former South Korean President Park Geun-hye was sentenced to 24 years in prison on Friday following a massive corruption scandal that shook the nation. The court found Park guilty of abuse of power, bribery, and coercion, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the country’s first female leader.
The scandal centered around Park’s close confidante, Choi Soon-sil, who was accused of using her influence to extort millions from major conglomerates and meddling in state affairs. The revelations sparked widespread outrage, leading to months of youth-led protests demanding transparency and justice.
"This verdict sends a strong message that no one is above the law," said prosecutor Lee Won-seok. "It is a victory for democracy and the rule of law in South Korea."
Park, who has consistently denied the charges, was not present in court. Her legal team announced plans to appeal the decision, maintaining her innocence. "We believe the truth will prevail," her attorney stated.
Across the country, young people celebrated the verdict. "We’ve made our voices heard," said Kim Ji-soo, a university student who participated in the protests. "This is a step toward a fairer society."
The case has sparked a national dialogue about corruption and the influence of big business on politics. Many hope it will lead to significant reforms and a renewed commitment to ethical leadership.
The sentencing marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in South Korea’s history, as the country looks to move forward and rebuild trust in its institutions.
