Yoon's mother-in-law's parole put on hold

A parole for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s mother-in-law Choi Eun-soon, who was sentenced to a one-year prison sentence for forging documents, was put on hold on Tuesday.

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s mother-in-law Choi Eun-soon enters the Euijeongbu District Court on July 21, 2023. [NEWS1]

A parole for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s mother-in-law Choi Eun-soon, who was sentenced to a one-year prison sentence for forging documents, was put on hold on Tuesday.

Choi, 77, was convicted last year of document forgery by using forged papers and purchasing land under another person’s name.

According to legal authorities, the Ministry of Justice determined Tuesday to withhold Choi’s parole decision after proceeding with its regular parole review the same day.

The Justice Ministry did not state the reason for withholding Choi's parole decision.

Following the decision, Choi’s parole review is set to be held again next month.

If Choi is granted parole next month, her imprisonment will end earlier then scheduled on May 14, a day before Buddha's Birthday.

In 2013, Choi falsified her bank statement which stated she deposited 34.9 billion won ($ 25.3 million), while purchasing real estate in Dochon-dong in Seongnam, Gyeonggi.

She also used another person’s name when purchasing the property.

Choi has been in prison since July 21, 2023, after she was arrested when the appellate court upheld her ruling of a one-year prison sentence.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]