Is Park Geun-hye A-List?

Enters National Assembly Politics

Park began her formal political career by winning a seat in the National Assembly. Trading on her father's legacy, she started building her own political base within the conservative party.

Becomes Opposition Party Leader

Elected as leader of the Grand National Party, becoming the first woman to lead a major political party in South Korea. This elevated her national profile and positioned her as a serious presidential contender.

Wins Presidential Election Landslide

Elected as South Korea's first female president with 51.6% of the vote, making history across East Asia. Her victory brought international attention and she was seen as a trailblazer for women in politics.

Sewol Ferry Disaster Scandal

Her government's poor handling of the Sewol ferry disaster that killed 304 people severely damaged her approval ratings. Public criticism of her absence during the crisis began eroding her political capital.

Corruption Scandal Erupts Publicly

Revelations of her ties to confidante Choi Soon-sil and allegations of influence peddling sparked massive protests. Her approval rating plummeted to 4%, and she was impeached by the National Assembly in December.

Removed from Office and Arrested

The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld her impeachment, making her the first democratically elected South Korean president to be removed from office. She was arrested on corruption charges, facing a spectacular fall from power.

Sentenced to 24 Years Prison

Convicted on multiple corruption charges and sentenced to 24 years in prison with fines of 18 billion won. Her disgrace was complete, transforming from historic first female president to imprisoned convict.

Receives Presidential Pardon

President Moon Jae-in pardoned her on health grounds after she served nearly five years. While released from prison, her political career was over and she remained deeply divisive in South Korean society.

Lives in Relative Obscurity

Today, Park lives quietly, largely out of public view. While she made history as South Korea's first female president, her legacy is defined by disgrace and corruption. She's a cautionary tale with moderate name recognition but past her peak of influence.