He was convicted in 1996 of bribing former South Korean president Roh Tae-woo but pardoned a year later by then-president Kim Young-sam.

WSJ: South Korea Plans to Pardon Former Samsung Chairman

During Mr Kim Young Sam's presidency, two former presidents, Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo, were jailed for treason, insurrection and taking bribes.

ECONOMIST: South Korea

One is loyal to Kim Young Sam, while the allegiance of the other lies with disgraced former presidents Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo.

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And, in a bid to bury past traumas, Kim endorsed the pardon extended his old nemesis, former strongman Chun Doo Hwan, and ex-president Roh Tae Woo, both convicted criminals.

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