Park Geun-hye Trial

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The ousted former president Park Geun-hye has spoken up for the first time since her corruption trial began. She says the trial is a case of political retaliation and rejected the entire process.

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Former President Park Geun-hye spoke up Monday saying the past six months following her arrest and trial have been a distressing and grievous time. She said that her trust in one person came back in the form of unimaginable
betrayal, stripping her of honor and life completely. Park said she never accepted or granted undue favors from or for anyone while in office, adding she believes this has been fully revealed during the course of the trial. She said it was difficult to accept the court's decision to extend her detention and that she concluded it is meaningless to have trust in the court any longer. She also labeled her situation as "political retaliation." She said that political retaliation in the name of the rule of law must end with her. She also said she would carry all historical blame and burden and asked the court to put all responsibility on her. Her statement came as soon as the trial began after her attorney Yoo Yeong-ha told the court that his client had something to say. Park read off a prepared script for 4 minutes. It's the first time the former president has made comments since her trial began in April. Following her statement, Park's legal counsel team resigned in protest to the additional arrest warrant issued for the former president.