S.Korea pardons ex-president Lee Myung-bak

The South Korean government of President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday it will grant a special pardon to ex-President Lee Myung-bak, who was sentenced to a 17-year prison term for a range of corruption crimes.

The Justice Ministry said in a statement that Lee is among 1,373 convicts who will be pardoned on Wednesday.

It said it has decided to include some politicians including Lee as part of efforts to promote a national unity. Lee, 81, was released from prison temporarily in June, when proseutors granted him a temporary release over health concerns.