Seoul: After four years and nine months in prison following her impeachment and removal from office for corruption, former South Korean President Park Geun-hye will be released on Thursday night under a presidential pardon.

According to sources, the 69-year-old former president has been serving a combined 22-year prison sentence since being impeached and removed from office in March 2017 for widespread corruption and an influence-peddling scandal involving a close friend accused of influencing her.

As part of his special amnesty for the New Year, President Moon Jae-in chose to pardon Park last week. The decision was made in light of her poor health and as part of attempts to promote national unity, according to the authorities.

Park has been seeking therapy for a series of back, shoulder, and other illnesses at a Seoul hospital. On Friday, she will get a certificate of pardon at the hospital, where she will remain until early February.

Due to her conviction, she is eligible for government security protection but not for other former presidential perks, such as special pensions for retired presidents and personal secretaries. Park's private home in southern Seoul was auctioned off as part of her forfeiture, so it's unknown where she'll dwell after she leaves the hospital.

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