S. Korea's Lee grants pardons to close confidants

SEOUL - South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Tuesday granted special pardons to his confidants one month before he leaves office despite opposition voiced by his successor.

Lee, who is constitutionally allowed to issue special pardons, granted amnesty to 55 people including 12 politicians, five former government officials and two parliamentarians.

Former head of the Korean Communications Commission Choi Si-joong, often dubbed a "mentor" of Lee, was among those pardoned. Chun Shin-il, Lee's longtime supporter and friend, also made it to the list.

Both were convicted of bribery last year, along with a handful of other close associates and relatives of the president.

Former parliamentary speaker Park Hee-tae and Kim Hyo-je, a former presidential secretary, were also given amnesty. The two were jailed for an attempted vote-buying scheme during the 2007 leadership contest of Lee's ruling party.

President-elect Park Geun-hye, who replaces Lee next month, have criticized special pardons on the grounds that they run counter to public opinions opposing cronyism.