Park Geun-hye's 'Prison Letter' to Be Published as a Book... "Betrayal by Trusted Associates, Everything Branded as Deep-rooted Evil"

Former President Park Geun-hye, who is incarcerated at Seoul Detention Center, is entering Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul on July 20 for hospitalization to treat a chronic illness. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A book containing former President Park Geun-hye's prison letters is set to be published. Park, who is serving a 22-year prison sentence for charges including abuse of power, is currently incarcerated at Seoul Detention Center.

According to political circles on the 18th, Park will release the book titled "Longing Does Not Arise for Just Anyone" at the end of this month. The book includes her replies to letters received from supporters during her 4 years and 9 months of imprisonment.

In the preface of the book, former President Park wrote, "Looking back, my time as president was always a series of tensions," and added, "I worked tirelessly without noticing how time passed to provide the people with a better life, even if just a little."

She continued, "However, due to the misconduct of trusted associates, all the efforts I devoted were branded as deep-rooted evils," and stated, "Watching public officials who quietly and faithfully fulfilled their duties suffer hardships was an unbearable pain."

She also expressed, "Above all, seeing those who had been with me since I first entered politics place all the burdens on me made me feel the futility of life."

Former President Park wrote, "However, I have abandoned any feelings of blaming, criticizing, or resenting anyone, and I believe I must bear all the burdens myself," and added, "It was because of the warm letters sent by the people that I was able to endure until now."

Regarding the publication of the book, Park explained, "I pondered how I could convey my feelings to the people, and thought that compiling my replies into a book would indirectly serve as responses to those who sent me letters."

She added, "It is regrettable that I cannot include all the letters," and said, "I would like to express my gratitude to the people who stood by me without hesitation during the darkest times, offering encouragement and love. Though I do not know when, the day will come when I can meet the people again."

The task of collecting supporters' letters and Park's replies was reportedly led by lawyer Yoo Young-ha, a close aide who has served as Park's legal counsel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.