South Korea’s democracy began in 1980, although it was immediately taken over by unelected military strongman Chun who eventually got himself “elected” president. (He was the only candidate on the ballot.) But to give him credit, Chun followed the 1981 constitution’s seven-year one-term presidential limit. Thus he sort of counts as the first South Korean president. Which makes Chun the first South Korean ex-president to be convicted.
He was the start of a trend. The four living official ex-presidents of South Korea have all been convicted, imprisoned, and even sentenced to execution. (Chun was sentenced to execution for his takeover in 1981 and his participation in a civilian massacre.) All the executions were commuted.
I can hear you ask, what about the dead ex-presidents? There were three other democratic ex-presidents, who are deceased as of 2021. One was sentenced to death and commuted. One committed suicide while under investigation for bribery. And one, Kim Young-sam (1993-1998) brought in strong anti-corruption attitudes and measures, and was not convicted after his retirement.
