'State corruption' figure Choi Soon-sil granted temporary release due to poor health

Choi Soon-sil, a central figure in the state corruption scandal involving former President Park Geun-hye, has been temporarily released from prison on medical grounds. The prosecution approved her request for a three-month suspension of her sentence, citing her worsening health condition.

Choi, whose legal name is Choi Seo-won, was released from the Cheongju Women's Correctional Facility and subsequently moved to a hospital in Seoul for treatment. This temporary release allows her to address her health issues outside the confines of prison.

Under South Korea's Code of Criminal Procedure, prosecutors can grant a suspension of sentence for various reasons, including severe health deterioration that threatens a person's life or health, being over 70 years old, or other significant circumstances. Choi's case falls under the provision for severe health concerns.

Choi was sentenced to 18 years in prison, a fine of 20 billion won, and over 6.3 billion won in additional penalties for charges including abuse of power, bribery, and obstruction of business. She had previously applied for a sentence suspension in December 2022, citing the need for spinal surgery.